2016-2021 Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Fresh Express Packaged Salads
In December 2021, CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. Epidemiologic and laboratory data implicated Fresh Express packaged salads as the source of the outbreak.
As of December 21, 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 8 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from July 26, 2016 through October 19, 2021. Sick people range in age from 44 to 95 years, with a median age of 80 years. All 10 people were hospitalized. One death was reported from Pennsylvania.
On December 16, 2021 the Michigan Department of Agriculture identified the outbreak strain of Listeria in a bag of Fresh Express Sweet Hearts Romaine Lettuce Sweet Butter Lettuce packaged salad collected from a grocery store during routine sampling.
On December 20, 2021, Fresh Express packaged salads produced at its facility in Streamwood, Illinois since November 20, 2021.
The investigation was closed on March 8, 2022.
Tags:
listeriosis, leafy greens, produce, salad, romaineOverview
| Outbreak began: | July 2016 |
|---|---|
| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA |
| Pathogen: | Listeria monocytogenes |
| Vehicle(s): | Leafy greens |
| Location(s): | Retail, Restaurant |
| Brand name(s): | Fresh Express |
| Molecular test results: | Not reported |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 10 |
|---|---|
| Number hospitalized: | 10 |
| Number of deaths: | 1 |
Sources & documents
| Recall notices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Report / reference links | ||
| Outbreak documents | ||