The DOLE packaged salad listeria outbreak is far from over with three more cases recently confirmed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their February 25, 2016 Case Count Update. All three recent victims come from the United States: one from Missouri and two from Ohio.
This brings to a total of 29 confirmed listeriosis cases linked to the DOLE packaged salads contamination incident according to an article by Food Safety News. Total case count for the United States is 18 while the remaining 11 are in Canada. All 18 US listeria monocytogenes outbreak victims required hospitalization and one from Minnesota died. The Canadian's latest update last February 5, 2016 still stands at 11 cases and covers 5 Canadian provinces.
According to the same article from Food Safety News, the listeria monocytogenes outbreak started seven months ago on July 5, 2015. CDC, together with the FDA, started collaborating with local health officials in affected states as early as September 2015. However it was only on January 2016 that CDC was able to link the listeria outbreak to DOLE's Springfield, Ohio processing facility which prompted the recall on the potentially contaminated packaged salads.
According to CDC, these recalled salads are packaged under the following brands:
In the FDA's website, the agency warns that while listeriosis is rare, it is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Common symptoms include fever and muscle aches, soon followed by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms as well as chills.
No new DOLE packaged salads from their Springfield, Ohio facility were produced since the discovery as DOLE has ceased its salad production in the affected facility since January 21, 2016. For now, FDA reminds consumers to remain vigilant on their purchases and take corrective steps detailed on their sites, such as thoroughly cleaning their refrigerator and other food preparation surfaces, if they suspect of contact with the contaminated products.