Spinach, Kale, and Collard Greens Are Being Recalled — Here’s What You Need to Know

Lancaster Foods is playing cleanup after a recent sample test of Chopped Kale Greens resulted in the discovery of Listeria pathogens, which ultimately led to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to recall bags of spinach, kale, and collard greens. 

Although the recall specifies that the products in question have already expired, the FDA is concerned that consumers could potentially still have the greens in their refrigerators. And while no illnesses have been reported as a result of consuming the greens in question, it is encouraged that you do not consume them, but rather throw them away or return them for a refund.  

Of the Lancaster Food brands, three were singled out to be wary of: Robinson Fresh, Lancaster, and Giant; all of which were produced in the same Maryland facility. The greens in question were sold at retailers in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, with retailers having already been instructed to remove the recalled products from inventory. 

The specific greens impacted by the recall include Robinson Fresh Kale Greens, Robinson Fresh Collard Greens, Lancaster Chopped Kale, Giant Curly Leaf Spinach, and Giant Collard Greens. Item numbers, UPC codes, and best-by dates can be found here for comparison to help you identify if your greens need to be disposed of. 

Listeria can be a potentially deadly infection, especially amongst children, the elderly, pregnant people, or people with weakened immune systems. Though it can be a very serious infection to those at risk, the reality is, anyone can become infected by Listeria. Symptoms can include high fever, headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and — in some extreme scenarios — miscarriages and stillbirths amongst pregnant individuals. 

Please reach out to your health care provider if you have any questions about Listeria infections, as well as immediately seek medical attention if you have experienced any of the above symptoms due to consuming the products in question. Additionally, take a moment to read up on some other foods that have seemingly been affected by Listeria, including 50,000 pounds of meat, since the start of the new year. 

Wondering what other recalls and public health alerts have been issued lately from your favorite brands? Check out this page that’s updated regularly to stay in the know.