Publix Issues Voluntary Recall on Hearts of Romaine

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Publix Super Markets is issuing a voluntary recall for 10 ounce plastic bags of Publix Hearts of Romaine (Chopped Hearts of Romaine) due to the fact that they may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. Ready Pac is the supplier of the private label product for the company. The UPC found on the back right-hand corner of the package is 41415 03886.

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Publix received notification of the contamination from the US Food and Drug Administration after a routine sample collection. Product was distributed to Publix stores between September 8, 2012 through September 20, 2012 in select Florida counties, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. The following Florida counties are affected by the recall: Alachua, Baldwin, Bay, Beaufort, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Clay, Coffee, Columbia, Dougherty, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Glynn, Houston, Jasper, Lee, Leon, Lowndes, Marion, Nassau, Okaloosa, Putnam, Santa Rosa, St. Johns, Suwannee, Thomas, Tift, Volusia and Walton.

Consumption of products containing Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

"While the product is no longer available on store shelves, we have issued a voluntary recall because of our commitment to food safety and to advise our customers who may still have this product at home,” said Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations director. “No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the hearts of romaine. Consumers who have purchased the products in question may return the product to their local store for a full refund. Publix customers with additional questions may call our Customer Care Center at 1-800-242-1227 or by visit our website at www.publix.com. Customers can also contact the US Food and Drug Administration at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366).”

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 153,000 employees, with 2011 sales of $27.0 billion. Currently Publix has 1,061 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The company has been named one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 15 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized as tops in the grocery business, most recently by an American Customer Satisfaction Index survey. For more information, visit the company’s website, www.publix.com.