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Recalls & Safety Alerts

BrightFarms Issues Recall Over Possible Metal Contamination


— May 22, 2017

Recently, BrightFarms initiated a voluntary recall “of packaged produce sold in Giant Food stores due to the potential presence of metal as a result of construction at its Elkwood, Va., greenhouse farm.” So far, reports claim the affected packages of salad were sold at markets throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., including the “Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle, Peapod and Martin’s Food Markets.” Some officials also believe some of the affected salad may have been “distributed via the Capital Area Food Bank.”


Who doesn’t like a nice hearty salad? Unfortunately, one company has had to issue a recall of their popular packaged salad products. Recently, BrightFarms initiated a voluntary recall “of packaged produce sold in Giant Food stores due to the potential presence of metal as a result of construction at its Elkwood, Va., greenhouse farm.” So far, reports claim the affected packages of salad were sold at markets throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. at the “Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle, Peapod and Martin’s Food Markets.” Some officials also believe the affected salad may have been “distributed via the Capital Area Food Bank.”

Image of a package of BrightFarms salad
BrightFarms Salad; Image Courtesy of BrightFarms, http://brightfarms.com/s/

It’s important to note, however, that the recall is “limited to products grown at the company’s Elkwood, Virginia, farm.” Salad products from other greenhouses are not affected by the recall and are safe for consumers.

So how can you tell if you have one of the recalled packages? Well, the recall includes packaged salad products “with dates on the package of 5/22/17 – 5/26/17,” including:

  • BrightFarms Baby Spinach (4 oz. package)
  • BrightFarms Spring Mix (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
  • BrightFarms Spinach Blend (4 oz. package)
  • BrightFarms Baby Kale (3 oz. package)
  • BrightFarms Arugula (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)
  • BrightFarms Mixed Greens (4 oz. package)
  • BrightFarms Baby Romaine (4 oz. and 8 oz. package)

Additionally, the recall includes packaged basil products “with dates on the package of 5/18/17 – 5/23/17,” including:

  • BrightFarms Basil (.75 oz. package)
  • BrightFarms Thai Basil (.75 oz. package)
  • BrightFarms Lemon Basil (.75 oz. package)

For now, BrightFarms has taken all of the appropriate measures to ensure consumers don’t get a hold of the recalled products. For example, “affected retailers have been instructed to remove all affected products from store shelves.” Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, though customers who bought the recalled product and have it in their refrigerators are advised to throw it away or return it to the store for a full refund.

Customers can contact BrightFarms at 646-480-5262 or email info@brightfarms.com for more information about the recall.

Sources:

Recall for possible metal in vegetables sold at Giant stores

Giant Food recalls BrightFarms packaged produce

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