Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 11
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: July 1, 2021
States with Cases: IL (6), WI (4), MI (1)
Product Distribution*: IL, WI, IA, IN, MI
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states
The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to the consumption of BrightFarms packaged salad greens produced in the firm’s Rochelle, IL facility.
After FDA visited the facility and collected samples, some environmental samples tested positive for Salmonella Liverpool. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis revealed that the Salmonella found in these environmental samples was different from the outbreak strain. FDA is continuing its investigation and additional sample results are pending.
BrightFarms recalled additional packaged salad greens (see 2nd Recall Expansion) to include the Baby Spinach salad greens with a “Best By” date through 7/26/2021 produced in its Rochelle, IL, (Ogle County) greenhouse farm. The firm is not producing or distributing product from areas associated with environmental samples that tested positive for Salmonella.
FDA continues to work with BrightFarms to determine if there are additional products or “Best By” dates that could have been affected. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Recommendation
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled BrightFarms packaged salad greens produced in Rochelle, IL. This includes the baby spinach packaged salad included in the firm’s expanded recall. The salads are packaged in a plastic clamshell container labeled as “fresh from Rochelle, IL.” According to the firm, these products were distributed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan.
Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and distributors should check their refrigerators and throw away any of the products identified above.
If you purchased or used these products, you should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with the product, to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
FDA recommends that anyone who has symptoms of salmonellosis contact their healthcare provider.
Investigation Background
On July 15, 2021, BrightFarms recalled (see Initial Recall) packaged salad greens produced in its Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm sold in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana. On July 21, 2021, Michigan was added to the list of states that received recalled products (see 1st Recall Expansion). Interview data and shopper card records show that seven people ate or bought multiple types of BrightFarms brand salad products before they got sick, including Sunny Crunch, 50/50 Spring & Spinach, Harvest Crunch, and Butter Crisp. FDA conducted a traceback investigation and identified the farm in Rochelle, IL, as the likely source of the BrightFarms brand salad bought by people who became ill. On July 28, 2021, following positive sample results, BrightFarms expanded their recall (see 2nd Recall Expansion) to include Baby Spinach packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with “Best By” dates through 7/26/2021.
The FDA continues working with BrightFarms to determine if there are additional products that could have been affected. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
The affected BrightFarms-branded products were sold by the following retailers:
- Illinois: Mariano’s Fresh Markets, Walmart (select stores), Strack Van Till, Sullivan’s Foods, Caputo’s, Jewel-Osco
- Wisconsin: Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Copps, Tadych’s, Walmart (select stores)
- Iowa: Walmart (select stores)
- Indiana: Strack Van Till
- Michigan: Tadych’s
Additional retailers may be affected.
The expanded recall now includes the salad products below that are packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with “Best By” dates through 7/26/2021:
- BrightFarms Baby Spinach TM (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
The recall includes the below salad products packaged in clear, plastic clamshells with “best by” dates through 7/29/2021:
- BrightFarms Nutrigreens TM (3 oz. package)
- BrightFarms Butter Crisp TM (4 oz. Package)
- BrightFarms Harvest Crunch ® (4 oz. package)
- BrightFarms Mighty Romaine TM (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
- BrightFarms 50/50 Spring & Spinach (4 oz. package)
- BrightFarms Spring Crunch (4 oz. package)
- BrightFarms Spring Mix (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
- BrightFarms Sunny Crunch ® (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
- BrightFarms Lakeside Crunch TM (4 oz. Package)
For specific product information, please see:
- Initial Recall – posted 7/16/2021
- 1st Recall Expansion – posted 7/21/2021
- 2nd Recall Expansion – posted 7/28/2021
Product Images
