Listeria-Tainted Sunflower Kernels Prompt Papa John’s Salad Recall

Papa John’s Salad and Produce Inc. is voluntarily recalling Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.  This voluntary action is being undertaken in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration because the recalled products contain sunflower kernels that are part of the recent SunOpta sunflower kernel recall expansion.  SunOpta’s recall can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm502184.htm  Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that 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.  No illnesses as of 5/21/16 have been reported to Papa John’s Salads and Produce for the products involved in this voluntary recall.  Products covered by this voluntary recall were distributed in the following states AZ, CA, ID, MT, ND, NM, OR, WY. Specific retail stores affected include Albertson’s, Safeway, Bashas’, and Food 4 Less.

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