Pittsburgh -Giant Eagle has been informed by representatives of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the presence of listeria monocytogenes in a routine random sample test of Giant Eagle Farmer's Market eight ounce package of Shredded Iceberg Lettuce, produced by River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC, with a use by date of October 14,2011 (see attached product image). To date, there are no reported cases of customer illness due to consumption of this item.
The packaged product affected is Giant Eagle Farmer's Market Shredded Iceberg Lettuce (UPC 3003430195). Additionally, the shredded iceberg lettuce was used in a small number of prepared deli ring sandwiches. The affected deli ring sandwiches include: Giant Eagle Large Italian Sandwich Ring (UPC 23755100000), Giant Eagle Mini Italian Sandwich Ring (UPC 24755500000), Giant Eagle Large New York Sandwich Ring (UPC 22755100000), Giant Eagle Mini New York Sandwich Ring (UPC 25755500000), Giant Eagle Large All America Sandwich Ring (UPC 21755100000), and Giant Eagle Mini All American Sandwich Ring (UPC 26755500000).
Upon receiving the test results from the FDA, Giant Eagle immediately performed a voluntary recall of all potentially affected shredded iceberg lettuce. Giant Eagle implemented a register sale block to ensure that none of the product involved was inadvertently purchased. Giant Eagle also has removed all potentially affected products from its store shelves. Additionally, the company initiated a proactive telephone call to customers who purchased the products with instructions to dispose of the product or return it to the store for a refund (see attached customer call script).
Giant Eagle uses loyalty card purchase history data to contact customers who may be affected by food recalls with a health risk. Giant Eagle Advantage Card holders are encouraged to update contact information in the case of a recent change of mailing address or phone number. To communicate changes in contact information, customers may call 1-800-474-4777.
Finally, according to the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov1), the risk of an individual developing a listeria infection after consumption of a contaminated product is very small. Listeriosis affects primarily persons of advanced age, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems.
Source: FDA
