FDA Issues Warning on Contaminated Dole Salads

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Food and Drug Administration is warning people not to eat certain Dole pre-packaged salads that have been connected to an outbreak of E. coli infections in Minnesota.

The illnesses have all been associated with Dole salads bought at Rainbow Foods grocery stores in Minnesota. But salads carrying the same production codes have been distributed nationwide, prompting the national warning, the FDA said.

At least 11 people have been sickened by a specific type of E. coli that has been connected to the products. Two have been hospitalized. The last reported case connected to the outbreak was reported Sept. 19, the FDA said.

The affected Dole products are:

* Classic Romaine, with a “best-if-used-by (BIUB)” date of Sept. 23, 2005 and a production code beginning with “B250.”

* American Blend, with a “best-if-used-by (BIUB)” date of Sept. 23, 2005 and a production code beginning with “B250.”

* Greener Selection, with a “best-if-used-by (BIUB)” date of Sept. 22, 2005, and a production code beginning with “B250.”

The “best-if-used-by” code date is at the upper right-hand corner of the front of the bag. Stores probably aren’t carrying these salads on their shelves any more, but people may still have some at home. They should be thrown away, the FDA said.

Dole Food Co. has issued a recall for the affected salad products, the FDA said.