Shredded iceberg lettuce may contain harmful bacteria

PITTSBURGH — Farmer’s Market 8-ounce packages of Shredded Iceberg Lettuce may contain listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The presence of listeria was confirmed during a random test of a package with a use-by date of Oct. 14, which is today.

The packaged product affected is Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market Shredded Iceberg Lettuce.

The shredded iceberg lettuce was used in a small number of prepared deli ring sandwiches. The affected deli ring sandwiches include: Giant Eagle Large Italian Sandwich Ring, Mini Italian Sandwich Ring, Large New York Sandwich Ring, Mini New York Sandwich Ring, Large All America Sandwich Ring and Mini All American Sandwich Ring.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of an individual developing a listeria infection after consumption of a contaminated product is very small. Listeriosis affects primarily persons of advanced age, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems.

Giant Eagle uses loyalty card purchase history data to contact customers who may be affected by food recalls with a health risk.

There have been no reported cases as of early today of customer illness due to consumption of this item, FDA officials said.