NEW YORK CITY — Consumers in parts of New York City are being warned about a broad food recall after environmental testing at a facility found areas that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
New York-based Made Fresh Salads, Inc. issued a recall covering its cream cheese products and ready-to-eat deli-style salads following environmental sampling conducted by the company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The recall extends beyond cream cheese and salads. Several other ready-to-eat foods, including chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, crab cakes and potato croquettes, are also affected.
The company has stopped production and distribution of the recalled products while it works with the FDA to determine the source of the potential contamination.
Cream Cheese Products Included in the Recall
The recalled cream cheese products include multiple sizes and flavors sold under Made Fresh Salads and Northside labels.
Among the affected items are 5-pound tubs of apple cinnamon cream cheese, 5-pound tofu vegetable spread, 30-pound whipped cream cheese and 30-pound scallion cream cheese.
The products were generally packaged in 5-pound and 30-pound white plastic tubs or half-size aluminum pans.
Because some of the products may have been repacked by retail stores, consumers may not always find the original packaging. The company said retail packaging and product coding can vary depending on where the food was purchased.
That means consumers who bought deli-style products should pay close attention to the recall information rather than relying only on the appearance of the retail package.
Dozens of Deli Salads Also Recalled
The recall also covers numerous ready-to-eat deli-style salads.
Affected products include 5-pound chickpea salad, 5-pound bow tie pesto, 30-pound macaroni salad and 30-pound potato salad, among other recalled items.
Additional products named in the recall include the company’s 7-pound chocolate pudding, 6-pound vanilla pudding, 12-piece crab cakes and 12-piece potato croquettes.
The affected foods have expiration dates ranging from Sept. 3 through Sept. 18.
The recalled products were distributed in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, making the warning particularly important for consumers who purchased deli foods in those New York City boroughs.
Why Listeria Contamination Can Be Dangerous
The recall was initiated after environmental samples from the facility tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria infections can cause symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The infection can be particularly dangerous for certain people. Young children, older adults, frail individuals and people with weakened immune systems can develop serious and potentially fatal illnesses.
Listeria also presents a serious risk during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Because the recalled products are ready-to-eat foods, consumers should take the warning seriously even if the food looks or smells normal.
No Illnesses Reported So Far
Despite the broad recall, no illnesses have been reported so far in connection with the recalled products.
Made Fresh Salads has ceased production and distribution while the company and FDA continue investigating the facility and possible source of contamination.
Consumers who may have purchased affected products are being urged not to eat them. Instead, they should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Anyone who believes they may have consumed a recalled product and later develops concerning symptoms should consider contacting a healthcare professional, particularly if they are in a higher-risk group for serious listeria infection.
Did you recently buy deli salads or cream cheese in Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx? Check your refrigerator and share this recall warning with family and friends who may have purchased these products.
