E. Coli Scare Prompts Recall Of Salads, Basil Sold At Mariano's

An Illinois greenhouse has issued a voluntary recall of its packaged salad mixes and basil sold at Roundy's Supermarkets, including Mariano's Markets in Illinois and Metro Market and Pick 'n Save stores in Wisconsin. Affected. BrightFarms, located in Ogle County, is recalling the items due to potential E. coli contamination.

The recall includes these salad products packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with the best by dates (located on the label of the package) 10/24/2017, 10/25/2017, 10/26/2017 and 10/27/2017:

• BrightFarms Baby Spinach (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
• BrightFarms Spring Mix (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
• BrightFarms Spinach Blend (4 oz. package)
• BrightFarms Baby Greens Blend (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
• BrightFarms Baby Kale (3 oz. package)
• BrightFarms Baby Arugula (4 oz. package)
• BrightFarms Baby Romaine Mix (4 oz. package)

Also included in the recall are these basil products packaged in clear plastic clamshells with best by dates of 10/24/2017, 10/25/2017, 10/26/2017 and 10/27/2017:

• BrightFarms Basil (.75 oz. and 2 oz. package)
• BrightFarms Thai Basil (.75 oz. package)
• BrightFarms Lemon Basil (.75 oz. package)

"BrightFarms chose to take this action out of an abundance of caution after receiving routine lab results and discovering that certain product may have been compromised," the company said in a press release. Affected retailers have been instructed to remove all affected products from store shelves."

The recall is limited to products grown at the company's Rochelle, Illinois farm. BrightFarms products from greenhouses in other regions are not affected.

While some strains of E. coli are harmless, others can cause intestinal illness, dehydration or even life-threatening kidney failure. Earlier this year, another Illinois-based company recalled its soy nut butter products after an E. coli outbreak that sickened at least a dozen people in five states, including an 8-year-old boy who suffered kidney failure.

Consumers who have purchased the affected products should discard them or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call (646) 480-5262 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Consumers can also email info@brightfarms.com with the subject line: Recall.

Photo: Park Ridge Police Department | Patch file