Listeria Contamination Triggers Recall of Curly Mustard Greens Nationwide

According to Newsweek , Baker Farms, based in Georgia, has voluntarily recalled bags of Curly Mustard Greens after the product was found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects 16oz plastic bags of Curly Mustard with a best-by date of November 21, 2024. The contamination was discovered after the Texas Department of State Health Services notified Baker Farms on November 29 that the product tested positive for Listeria.

Listeria is a bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness known as listeriosis. In most healthy individuals, it causes mild symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. However, it can be deadly for vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can also result in pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infection in newborns. The CDC estimates that Listeria leads to about 1,600 infections and 260 deaths annually in the U.S.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled Curly Mustard Greens. However, consumers are urged not to consume any remaining recalled products. These greens were packaged on November 4 and distributed between November 5 and November 9 to nine southeastern U.S. states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

The recalled products can be identified by the product code “8 13098 02018 4” and lot code “bak144-6806” on their packaging. No other bagged greens are affected by this recall.

Consumers are advised to discard or return any impacted products and can contact Baker Farms for more information at (844) 761-2244, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

This recall is part of a broader concern over food safety, with ongoing recalls also affecting cucumbers and dog food contaminated with salmonella, as well as other fruits and vegetables linked to Listeria contamination.