Classic Salads, LLC. Conducts Nationwide Recalls of Baby Spinach and Spring (Mesclun) Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

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

Contact:
Lex Camany
(831)763-4520

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Salinas, CA -- July 31, 2006 -- Classic Salads of Salinas, CA is voluntarily recalling 4lb., 2lb. and 10 oz. Baby Spinach and 4lb., 3lb., 1.5lb., Spring Mix, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain 12 to 72 hours after infection. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Baby Spinach/Spring Mix was distributed nationwide, as well as Canada and Japan, to foodservice, institutions and distributors.

Classic Salad's Baby Spinach and Spring Mix are packed in clear plastic bags with a stamped Lot Code number of 1502XXX indicating that it was processed on July 24th, 2006. Master cartons bear the "Classic Salads", "Classic Choice", "Classic Greens", "Sir Lancelot", "Taste of the Valley", "US Fresh" and "Valley Gold" labels and a Pallet ID Number is stamped in black ink on the exterior of the carton that is unique to each pallet. Baby Spinach pack sizes include: 4lb., 2x2lb., 12x10oz. Spring Mix pack sizes include: 5x3lb., 4x3lb., 3lb., 3x1lb., 2x1.5lb., 12x7oz.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program conducted by the company which revealed that the finished product processed July 24th, 2006 contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product in question as FDA and the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Classic Salad's Baby Spinach and Spring Mix are encouraged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at:

Lex Camany Sales Manager (831)809-9571
After 4pm (831)674-1803
Jay Del Rosario QA Manager (831)763-1500
After 6pm (831)261-7173


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.