‘Spice’ Lettuce, Grown In New Hampshire, Recalled Due To Escherichia coli O157 Bacteria

CONCORD, NH — State health officials warned consumers not to eat a specific lettuce product grown in Loudon on Friday.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services alerted consumers they should not eat lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens, grown at a greenhouse in the capital region, which could be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157 bacteria. The specific packages contain the lot number SP10723-1RGH1 and have a "best by" date of May 5. The lettuce comes in a 4-ounce, clear, plastic clamshell container.

The recall was initiated after a sample tested by the DHHS Public Health Laboratory tested positive for E. coli O157, according to Tricia Tilley, the director of Public Health Services. No illnesses have been reported to date.

lēf Farms “Spice” is the only product impacted to date. The possibly contaminated packages were sold at Hannaford and Market Basket. Officials are working with the company to determine the contamination's cause.

“As E. coli O157 bacteria can cause serious illness, it is best to throw out any potentially contaminated food rather than risk infection,” Tilley said. “Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different so there is no way to tell.”

Officials said most strains of E. coli were harmless, but others could cause severe illness, especially to seniors, children, and those with compromised immune systems.

Consumers who have purchased the affected lēf Farms “Spice” products should discard them or present a photo of the product or receipt to their place of purchase for a full refund and then discard. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 between 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.

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