Over 90,000 Pounds of Chicken Caesar Salad Recalled by Sam’s Club Supplier for Possible Listeria Contamination

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A possible Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) contamination in pre-made Sam’s Club chicken salads is being cited as the reason behind a recall from APPA Fine Foods, where concerns over 92,000 pounds of the product exist.(1,2)

The recall pertains to fully cooked chicken Caesar salad kits that were shipped nationwide and sold at Sam’s Clubs, all ones provided by the aforementioned California food supplier. The announcement comes as a result of two confirmed positive Lm results at one of the bulk warehouse locations, discovered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.(2) It was found that only the chicken in the salad kits was positive for Lm.

Recall Details: What to Look For to Stay Safe

The Listeria contamination recall involves 11oz. clear plastic containers as well as 6.5-lb. boxes with the labeling, “APPA Fine Foods/Sam’s Club Daily Chef CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD KIT.”(1) Case codes on these containers and boxes are: 141851, 141922, 141951, 141991, 142021, 142201 or 142131 with use by dates of 8/14/14, 8/21/14, 8/27/14, 9/1/14, 9/3/14 or 9/17/14.(1) Kits that are part of this recall were produced on the following dates: July 4, July 11, July 14, July 18, July 21, July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, 2014 and boxes carry the establishment number “P-21030” in the USDA mark of inspection.(1)

Currently, the APPA Fine Foods’ web site, which states that they are “…committed to producing safe and wholesome products in an environment conducive to meeting the expectations of the consuming public and assuring our responsibility as a supplier,” does not make any mention of the recall.(3)

However, no reports of illness from the possible contamination have been reported. Still, it’s recommended that those with concerns return the product to the original place of purchase.(1) Those who have questions may reach out to Thom Rindt, APPA Fine Foods, at 951-547-8111 or contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).(1)

According to the Mayo Clinic, Listeria bacteria can survive freezing and refrigerated conditions and can cause muscle aches, diarrhea and nausea in those affected.(3) In more serious cases, such as if it reaches the nervous system or if it impacts those with compromised immune systems, the elderly and pregnant women, stiff neck, convulsions, loss of balance and life-threatening conditions may result.(4)

APPA Fine Foods’ other partners include Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Safeway and Costco.(3)

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2014/recall-054-2014-release

(2) http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/08/25/sams-club-supplier-recalls-over-0000-lbs-chicken-caesar-salad/

(3) http://appafinefoods.com/

(4) http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20031039

Jennifer