Ruth's Salad Recalls Cheese Spreads Over Listeria Scare

Ruth's Salads is expanding a voluntary recall of several cheese spreads in states throughout the Southeast over possible Listeria contamination, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced Thursday.

The recalled products were distributed in grocery stores in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and parts of Virginia.

The products involved include:

• Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread 7oz
• Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread 12 oz.
• Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread 24 oz.
• Ruth’s Old Fashion Pimento Spread 16 oz.
• Ruth’s Jalapeno Pimento Spread 12 oz.
• Ruth’s Lite Pimento Spread 12 oz.
• Ruth’s Cream Cheese with Pineapple-Pecans 12 oz.

The products are packed in plastic containers and labeled as “Packed by B&H Foods, Inc., Chester, SC”. Products labeled as packed in Charlotte, N.C. are not included in this recall.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the Ruth's Salads products.

The contamination was discovered during random testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Anyone who has purchased these products is urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-532-0409 between the hours of 7 a.m and 3 p.m Monday-Friday. After hours, consumers may leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Photo courtesy U.S. Food & Drug Administration