URGENT UPDATE regarding LeaderBrand recall

10 March 2017

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Further to LeaderBrand’s announcement today regarding the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria or ‘Listeria’ in its Caesar Salad, LeaderBrand has issued a list of all the salad products it has recalled as follows:

• Fresh Plus Japanese Slaw 475g
• Fresh Plus Herbslaw 475g
• Fresh Plus Superslaw 475g
• LeaderBrand Fresh & Chunky Stirfry 500g
• Fresh Plus Gourmet Fancy 120g
• Fresh Plus Spinach & Kale 120g
• LeaderBrand Super Healthy Broccoslaw 450g
• Fresh Plus Baby Rocket 100g
• Fresh Plus Mesclun & Herbs 130g
• LeaderBrand Super Kale 100g
• Value Bag Crispy Salad 300g
• Value Baby Leaf Lettuce 100g
• LeaderBrand Fancy Leaf Continental 180g
• Value Salad Greens 100g
• 100% Fresh Salad Mix 250g
• Value Baby Spinach 120g
• LeaderBrand Fresh’n Crispy 300g
• 100% Fresh Mesclun
• Pams Fresh Express Italian Salad 250g
• LeaderBrand Fresco Caesar
• 100% Fresh Baby Spinach
• Pams Fresh Express Crispy Salad 250g
• 100% Fresh Stirfry
• Pams Fresh Express Herbslaw 450g
• LeaderBrand Farm Fresh Ranchslaw 450g
• Pams Fresh Express Coleslaw Dressed 450g
• Pams Fresh Express Mesclun Salad 500g
• LeaderBrand Tender Mesclun 150g
• Pams Fresh Express Farmhouse Slaw Dressed 450g
• LeaderBrand Crunchy Coleslaw 450g
• LeaderBrand Baby Spinach
• Shredded Carrot 250g

While the bacteria was only detected in one product line – LeaderBrand Caesar Salad - LeaderBrand has conducted an immediate, voluntary recall of its entire salad product range from the major supermarkets it supplies. Supermarkets include Countdown, New World and Pak’n Save. All salad products distributed to Pita Pit and Subway outlets have also been recalled.

Listeria can be harmful to ‘vulnerable’ populations if ingested. The term ‘vulnerable’ refers to children under 5 years of age, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.

Consumers are advised not to consume any of the aforementioned salads bought since the 3rd of March with ‘Best Before’ dates from the 15th of March. Consumers can dispose of the salad products they have bought or return the products to their place of purchase for a full refund.

Says Richard Burke, LeaderBrand Produce Ltd. CEO: “On the 9th of March, LeaderBrand became aware that one of our products, LeaderBrand Caesar Salad, tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. While LeaderBrand Caesar Salad is only one of many product lines - and we are confident none of our other products have been affected - we immediately took steps to withdraw all salad products.

“We emphasise that this is an isolated incident and that as a proudly New Zealand owned and operated company, we take the health and safety of our customers very seriously. As things stand, we anticipate being able to supply fresh salad products soon. We thank you for your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

ENDS

For further consumer information, contact:
LeaderBrand Produce Ltd, 33 Parkinson St, Gisborne on 0800 859 859.

People concerned about their health or the health of others should call their GP. For health information and advice from a registered nurse, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (free, available 24/7). In an emergency, always call 111.

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