SIMCOE MUSKOKA –  The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is informing residents that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a food recall warning for various kale salad kit products from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Currently, the following products are subject to the recall:

• Curation Foods Kale Salad Blend (unlabeled) sold in a 907 gram bag; Code: 2 0 B 221
• Curation Foods Kale Salad Blend (unlabeled) sold in a 907 gram bag; Code: AUG 24 2021, 2021 AU 24, 2 0 B 221
• Eat Smart Chili-Lime Crunch Chopped Salad Kit sold in 283 gram bag; Code: AUG 24 2021, 2021 AU 24, 2 0 B 221
• Eat Smart Homestyle Ranch Chopped Salad Kit sold in 283 gram bag; Code: AUG 24 2021, 2021 AU 24, 2 0 A 221
• Eat Smart Chopped Salad Hot Honey Salad Kit sold in 311 gram bag; Code: AUG 24 2021, 2021 AU 24, 2 0 A 221
• Eat Smart Mexican Fiesta Chopped Salad Kit sold in 283 gram bag; Code: AUG 24 2021, 2021 AU 24, 2 0 A 221
• Eat Smart Salt & Vinegar Chopped Salad Kit sold in 283 gram bag; Code: AUG 24 2021, 2021 AU 24, 2 0 A 221
• Eat Smart Southwest Chopped Salad Kit sold in 283 gram bag; Code: AUG 24 2021, 2021 AU 24, 2 0 A 221
• Eat Smart Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kits sold in a 567 gram bag; Code: AUG 24 2021, 2021 AU 242 0 B 221

Please note that this list may be subject to change depending on the investigation.  For up to date recall information please visit the CFIA Food Recall Warning and Allergy Alerts Website.

Anyone who has the recalled salad products should not eat them. Food contaminated with Listeria may not look or smell spoiled. The products can be thrown away or returned to the store where they were bought. After handling the products, people should wash their hands with soapy water and sanitize any surfaces the package was in contact with.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found naturally in the environment – in soil, groundwater, plants, and also in animals and people. Eating food contaminated with Listeria may result in a human illness commonly referred to as Listeriosis.

Listeriosis can be spread by eating food or drinks contaminated with the Listeria bacteria. Cold cuts (i.e., deli meats), raw vegetables, dairy products, soft cheeses, and smoked fish are some examples of commonly contaminated foods.

Most healthy individuals consume foods contaminated with Listeria bacteria without becoming seriously ill. However, certain people are considered at “higher risk” of becoming seriously ill and may get Listeriosis after eating food or drinks contaminated with even a small amount of the bacteria. Symptoms can occur from three to 70 days after eating contaminated food or drinks, and may include muscle aches, diarrhea, cramps, severe headache, constipation, persistent fever and sometimes vomit and nausea.

If you are concerned about being exposed to the recalled product, need additional information about Listeria, please call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-888-721-7520 to speak to one of our public health professionals from Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30 pm or contact your health care provider. More information can also be found on the SMDHU website.

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