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New Yorkers may want to inspect that scallion cream cheese before slathering it onto an everything bagel: dozens of deli-counter staples sold across the city are being recalled over possible Listeria contamination.
Made Fresh Salads Inc., a Bay Shore, Long Island-based company, has recalled all of its ready-to-eat deli-style salads and cream cheese products, according to an announcement posted by the Food and Drug Administration on September 6. The products were delivered directly to retailers and distributors in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and elsewhere in New York City.
The recall covers 25 cream cheese and tofu-spread varieties sold under the Made Fresh Salads and Northside brands. That includes bagel-shop favorites such as scallion, lox, vegetable, garlic and herb, strawberry and whipped cream cheese, plus more adventurous options like bacon scallion, jalapeño cheddar and chocolate chip.
More than 40 prepared foods are also affected, including potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, egg salad, shrimp salad, tuna salad, sesame noodles, tortellini pesto, quinoa salad, puddings, potato croquettes and crab cakes. It is, regrettably, quite a spread.
The products were originally distributed in five- and 30-pound white plastic tubs or half-size aluminum pans. However, the FDA warns that stores may have repackaged them into their own deli containers, meaning customers might not see a Made Fresh Salads or Northside label. The affected salads carry expiration dates from September 3 through September 18, though codes on repackaged products will vary by retailer.
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The company initiated the recall after environmental samples collected by both Made Fresh Salads and the FDA found Listeria monocytogenes in parts of its production facility. Production and distribution have stopped while the company and federal regulators investigate the source.
No illnesses connected to the products have been reported. Listeria can nevertheless cause serious or fatal infections in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths during pregnancy. Healthy people may experience symptoms including fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Anyone who purchased a potentially affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers unsure whether their neighborhood deli’s schmear came from the recalled supply can ask the retailer or contact Made Fresh Salads at 718-765-0082, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Until then, perhaps this is the week to order your morning bagel with butter instead of your usual schmear.