The Public Health Agency of Canada has reported that prepackaged Dole salads have been linked to an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak has sickened 7 people across five provinces. One death has been reported. Provinces affected by the outbreak include Ontario with 3 cases, Quebec with 1 case, Newfoundland and Labrador with 1 case, Prince Edward Island with 1 case, and New Brunswick with 1 case. All 7 people needed to be hospitalized. Dole salads have also been linked to an outbreak in the United States, where 15 people have been sickened.
Dole recently issued a recall of prepackaged salads produced at their Springfield, Ohio facility. Salads affected by the recall are marked with product codes that begin with the letter “A”. Prepackaged salads included in the recall have the potential to cause a Listeria monocytogenes infection. The often serious infection, referred to as Listeriosis, can take up to two months to show symptoms. Listeriosis causes symptoms such as nausea, fever, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, and muscle aches. Listeria can be especially dangerous to children, those with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, and the elderly. If you or a loved one begins to show the symptoms of Listeria poisoning after eating recalled Dole prepackaged salads, contact a medical professional.
