DOLE LETTUCE RECALL

We have another case of Salmonella bacteria contaminating the U.S. food supply. The previous one (that was caught, that is - many aren't) involved tuna fish. Now lettuce is taking a turn - which is much more common. Clearly, Salmonella season (the summer months) is beginning.

Dole Fresh Vegetables has recalled 756 cases of DOLE® Seven Lettuces salad with Use-by Date of April 11, 2012, UPC code 71430 01057 and Product Codes 0577N089112A and 0577N089112B. The salads were distributed in fifteen U.S. states (Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin).

As you can see from the photo, this is one of those increasingly popular "thoroughly washed" products. Sure - of course it has been washed. But, washing, even with added chemicals is not 100% effective (read The Safe Food Handbook to find out why).

Does rewashing help? Maybe sometimes. The research does not give a clear answer. But yes, raw salads quite often carry bacteria. If you eat them, just cross your fingers and hope there aren't enough really vicious bacteria in it to make you sick. (Confession: I love arugula).

To your good health,

TSF