Some packaged salad greens produced in the Loudon greenhouse of Lef Farms and sold at Hannaford and Market Basket stores have been recalled because they potentially contain E. coli bacteria.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services issued a caution Friday about a specific lot (lot number SP10723-1RGH1) of the Lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens with “best by” date of 5/5/23. The product comes in a 4-oz, clear, plastic clamshell container.
The recall was initiated after a sample tested by the Public Health Laboratory tested positive for E. coliO157. No illnesses have been reported to date and “Spice” is the only product known to be affected.
“As E. coliO157 bacteria can cause serious illness, it is best to throw out any potentially contaminated food rather than risk infection,” said Tricia Tilley, Director of Public Health Services. “Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different so there is no way to tell.”
“DHHS and the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets and Food are working collaboratively with the company to determine the root cause of the contamination,” the agency wrote in a press release.
Consumers with questions can call 1-866-857-8745 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.
LefFarms (pronounced “leaf”) opened in 2017 on a former gravel pit on Route 106, using controlled lights, mechanized planters, conveyor belts and other mechanisms to speed production of leafy greens grown in a liquid medium rather than soil. It was sold to Brightfarms, a national indoor-farming company, in 2021.
Most strains of E. coli are harmless but some can cause illness, particularly for seniors, the very young, and people with compromised immune systems. Anyone in New Hampshire diagnosed as having an illness related to E. coliO157 is also urged to contact the DHHS Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496.