The Horton Fruit Co., Inc. (“Horton”) of Louisville, KY is voluntarily recalling select bags and containers of fresh spinach because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The company was alerted to the potential of contamination by their supplier partners, and conducting a subsequent internal investigation.  Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections 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.

There have been no reports of illness related to the recalled product and no other products produced by Horton are implicated.

The products were distributed in North Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia and distributed through retail stores, wholesale and foodservice distributors.  Specific information on how to identify the product is summarized below: 

10oz. Bag PEAK brand Fresh Curly Leaf spinach “Best If Used By 05/11/17”                          UPC 0-78951-50002-3	10oz. Bag HARRIS TEETER FARMER’S MARKET brand Ready-To-Eat Leaf spinach “Best If Used By 05/11/17” UPC 0-72036-88023-9
2.5 lb. Bag PEAK brand fresh spinach       Orange sticker dated “05/13/17”               Case label pack date of 05/01/17

  “We are treating this incident very seriously because we want to ensure that our customers are provided with only the safest, most wholesome, and high-quality products available,” said Michael Wise, President.   The company has ceased distribution of the affected product as Horton continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.  This recall is being undertaken with the knowledge of the FDA.

Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 502-969-1371, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT.

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