Staying Fit
Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc., a division of Dole Food Co., issued a voluntary recall of a limited number of cases of organic romaine hearts after a single package tested positive for E. coli. The company said there is no indication consumers became sick from eating the produce. The recalled organic romaine hearts were distributed in 15 states.
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The two products being recalled by Dole are three-packs of Dole Organic Romaine Hearts with UPC code 0-71430-90061-1 and “harvested on dates” of 10-23-20 and 10-26-20; and 12-ounce packages of Wild Harvest Organic Romaine Hearts with UPC code 7-11535-50201-2 and “harvested on dates” of 10-23-20 and 10-26-20. The recalled romaine hearts were distributed in Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota and Virginia. The positive E. coli test occurred at an unnamed retailer in Michigan.
Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
E. coli is bacteria that can cause diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and vomiting. While most people recover from the foodborne illness within a week, some illnesses can last longer and can be more severe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends contacting your doctor if diarrhea lasts for more than three days, if diarrhea is accompanied by a fever higher than 102˚F, or if there is blood in the stool. Also seek medical attention if vomiting prevents you from keeping liquids down and you pass very little urine.
Since the romaine hearts were harvested and packed over a month ago, Dole does not believe the products are still on sale at retailers. Consumers are advised to check the UPC codes and dates on any packages of romaine hearts they may have at home and discard any recalled products found. No other Dole products are included in the recall including any bagged or clamshell salad romaine product.
Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
Dole said the strain of E. coli that was identified in its positive test is not associated with the strains connected to other outbreaks under investigation by health authorities. Earlier this fall, over 3,000 cartons of romaine lettuce heads distributed by Tanimura & Antle Inc. and sold at Walmart stores were voluntarily recalled because of possible contamination with E. coli.
Dole is coordinating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health authorities on the recall. Retailers and consumers with questions should call the Dole Consumer Center toll-free, 24 hours a day at 800-356-3111.
