Company at Center of Cyclospora Outbreak Issues Another Food Recall, for Listeria in Broccoli Salads
Taylor Farms, the company that issued a food recall for cyclospora-tainted salad mixed that had been shipped to Red Lobster and Olive Garden earlier this year, has issued another food recall, this time for Listeria in ready-made broccoli salads.
As of Friday, October 25th, the US Department of Agriculture announced that almost 5,000 lbs of broccoli salad, shipping to retail stores in kits, would be recalled due to Listeria contamination.
The recalled boxes include “TAYLOR FARMS BROCCOLI CRUNCH SALAD WITH BACON AND DRESSING,” with case codes 310151 and 310153. The products under food recall were produced between October 21st and October 23rd. The kits were shipped to distributors and delis for consumer purchase in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. The food was sold at deli counters in supermarket chains including Price Chopper, Shaw’s, Shoprite, Acme Markets, Stop & Shop, Winn-Dixie, and Giant Food. Both Winn-Dixie and Giant Food confirm that they have removed the items from their stores.
According to the FDA, the Listeria contamination is in the dressing packets.
So far, there have been no reports of illness associated with the potential Listeria contamination.
Taylor Farms Items Subject to Several Food Recalls
Taylor Farms has issued a number of food recalls in the last few years – this food recall makes the company’s fifth in 2013 alone. The previous outbreak, which involved cyclospora-tainted salad mixes that were sold to and served at Red Lobsters and Olive Gardens across the country, sickened 617 people across 22 states. The company issued three food recalls in 2012, and three in 2011.
The chief executive for Taylor Farms, Bruce Taylor, says that the number of recalls is related to the massive size of his company. “Just if you do the sheer math, our recalls relative to our size are fewer than anybody else,” Mr. Taylor said.
Food safety experts, however, said the number was somewhat higher than they would expect, even given Taylor’s size. “While produce companies have by far the most recalls among food companies in general, I’d say one every 12 to 18 months is more the standard,” said Gene Grabowski, a consultant who assists companies in dealing with the public and the media over food recalls.
The Strom Law Firm Protects Citizens Harmed by Delayed Product or Food Recalls
The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm keep a close watch on recalls of dangerous and defective products in the US. We aim to protect our clients’ health and safety, and hold manufacturers to the highest possible standard of safety. Product recalls are especially important because defective drugs, medical devices, food, and toys can seriously injure or even kill consumers. If you or a loved one have experienced severe, life-limiting side effects from a defective food, product or drug, and believe that your pain stems from a product, drug, or food recall that came too late, you may be entitled to compensation. The Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today. 803.252.4800
