News Release
California Department of Health Services
Number: 06-93
Date: October 8, 2006
For Release: Immediate
Contact: Mike Bowman or Lea Brooks
http://www.dhs.ca.gov
916-440-7660
State Public Health Officer Announces That Health Services is Monitoring Green Leaf Lettuce Recall
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SACRAMENTO - State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton today acknowledged the voluntary recall of green leaf lettuce by The Nunes Co. Inc. of Salinas and stated that the California Department Health Services (CDHS) is monitoring the situation.
"Today's prompt action by The Nunes Company is voluntary and a precautionary step to protect the public health," said Horton. "No illnesses associated with this product have been reported to date and we will continue to monitor the situation."
The recall was initiated when the company discovered that water used to irrigate the product may have been contaminated with E. coli. At this time, it is not yet known if this is related to the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with spinach or if this is one of the many other strains of E. coli bacteria. CDHS and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are assessing the situation and working with the firm to monitor the recall.
E. coli bacteria may cause a diarrheal illness, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
The items recalled by The Nunes Co. Inc. are:
Green Leaf 24 Count, waxed carton.
Green Leaf 18 Count, cellophane sleeve, returnable carton.
These products were distributed in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Oregon and Washington and sold to retail stores and distributors that may have further sold it to restaurants. The product can be identified as Foxy® green leaf lettuce sold under lot code 6SL0024 and purchased on or after Oct. 3, 2006, through Oct. 6, 2006.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact The Nunes Co. Inc. at 1-800-695-5012.
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