RLB Food Distributors Issues a Multiple East Coast States Recall of Fresh Spinach Salad Products for Possible E. coli Contamination

RLB Food Distributors Issues a Multiple East Coast States Recall of Fresh Spinach Salad Products for Possible E. coli Contamination
Contact:
Elisa Spungen Bildner
973-575-9526 x154

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- West Caldwell, NJ -- September 19, 2006 -- RLB Food Distributors, L.P., West Caldwell, NJ, is initiating a multiple east coast states voluntarily recall of certain salad products that may contain spinach with an Enjoy Thru date of 9/20/06.

The products recalled by RLB are:

Balducci's Mesclun Mix 5 oz.
Balducci's Organic Baby Spinach 5 oz.
Balducci's Mixed Greens 5 oz.
FreshPro Mesclun Mix 5 oz.
FreshPro Organic Baby Spinach 5 oz.
FreshPro Mixed Greens 5 oz.
FreshPro Salad Mix with Italian Dressing 4.75 oz.
FreshPro Salad Mix with Ranch Dressing 5.25 oz
Spinach used in these products may have been supplied from Natural Selections Foods, a California grower and processor, to RLB Food Distributors. This recall was initiated when Natural Selections Foods issued on 9/15/06 a nation-wide recall of all their products that contain spinach because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria (E. coli). E. coli 0157:H7 causes a diarrhea illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The recalled products were distributed in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington DC. They can be identified by an "Enjoy Thru" date of 9/20/06 or before that is located on the bottom of the package.

No illnesses have been reported to us as of this date from consuming these products.

An investigation by the FDA, several states, and Natural Selections Foods is ongoing to identify the cause of the possible E. coli contamination.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Customers with questions may contact RLB Food Distributors at 973-575-9526 X154.