Boston Salads & Provisions Co., Inc. Recalls Cole Slaw Because of Possible Health Risk

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following information:

Contact:
Claudia Stohrer
617-541-9046 ext. 14

Boston Salads is conducting a voluntary recall of Cole Slaw Salad sold in the retail deli section in 5 lb, 10 lb, 30 lb bulk and 1 lb retail containers with sell by date of November 9 and or November 11, 2006, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Boston Salads Cole Slaw Salad is available for purchase in the deli section of select supermarkets and delicatessen and convenience stores under the Boston Salads & Provisions Co., Inc., Dietz and Watson Inc., Hummel Brothers, Inc. label in the following states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

No illnesses have been reported related to this voluntary recall. If any of this Cole Slaw salad remains at home, consumers should return the product to these stores for full refund.

Boston Salads and all affiliated retailers apologize for any inconvenience, and remain committed to constantly monitor the quality of all food products to assure the safety and satisfaction of all customers. For additional information, please call Boston Salads at 617-541-9046 ext. 14.

"As part of our continuous quality control checking system at all levels of manufacturing and distribution, possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes was identified," states John A. Zofchak, president of Boston Salads & Provisions Co., Inc. "As a rapid response to this finding, we have immediately and voluntarily recalled all Cole Slaw salad from the marketplace.

Boston Salads manufactures a wide variety of premium salads and foods under their own name and private label. No other Boston Salads are affected nor have they been involved in this recall.

Type of Recall:
Class I - This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.