Another Salad Recall Is Hitting Grocery Stores. Here’s What You Should Know

If you like ready-to-eat salads, then you may have come across one of the products that was recalled recently. Made Fresh Salads, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of its ready-to-eat deli-style salads and cream cheese last month. While some consumers may have bought the products as is, there is the additional concern that some grocers may have used them in the foods that they sell. That’s why you still need to check what you have in stock and where it may have been used. 

What’s Being Recalled

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Made Fresh Salads, Inc. initiated a recall of its ready-to-eat deli-style salads and cream cheese. These were sold under the Made Fresh Salads, Northside brand. The products were recalled because they may have been contaminated with a highly dangerous bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes. 

Listeria monocytogenes is a disease-causing bacterium found in many places, including soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals. It can be particularly hard to eliminate because Listeria monocytogenes can grow at refrigerator temperatures. It can also thrive in unsanitary food-production conditions, which may have happened at Made Fresh Salads. The recall began after FDA and company environmental sampling revealed that some areas of the facility tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Although the company has stopped distributing the affected products, the FDA’s recall notice noted that they were distributed in 5- and 30-lb tubs, as well as aluminum trays that retail locations may have repacked in deli-style or other retail packaging. The recalled products also had expiration dates ranging from September 3, 2026 to September 18, 2026, but if they were repackaged or used, it’s difficult to state what information may be on those labels. The salads and cream cheese were delivered to distributors and retail stores in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and New York City. 

These are the products that were affected by the recall:

Deli Style Salads:

Cream cheese flavors:

Signs You’ve Been Affected

Although the FDA notes that no illnesses have been reported to date, it’s still a good idea to know what to look for if it affects you. The disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes is known as listeriosis. The disease has two forms: the less severe, non-invasive gastrointestinal listeriosis, and the more severe invasive listeriosis, which occurs when Listeria spreads beyond the intestines.

If you develop the less severe form, you may notice mild symptoms such as:

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• Fever
• Muscle aches, 
• Nausea,
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

While the duration of the symptoms can vary, they often persist for one to three days.

With a more severe form of the disease, symptoms may include:

• Headaches 
• A stiff neck 
• Confusion 
• A loss of balance
• Convulsions 

It’s important to note that invasive listeriosis is potentially life-threatening, especially for newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems.

Additionally, the symptoms of listeriosis can be mild or go unnoticed during pregnancy. However, it can have severe outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Regardless of which form of the illness you think you may have, it’s important to see your doctor immediately so you can know where you stand. 

RELATED: 6 Genius Tips To Make At-Home Salads Taste Better

What to do With the Recalled Product

Given the potential level of contamination, the FDA advises you to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions, you may contact the company at (718) 765-0082 from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Great Alternatives For You

If you’re concerned about the recalled products, it’s a good idea to check out other brands of prepackaged salads and cream cheese available in your area. Depending on where you live, it may be possible to support local farmers or farmers’ markets for your vegetable needs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a handy directory that you can use to find local farmers’ markets and the produce that’s likely to be there. 

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They also have guides for having your own vegetable garden, if you’re up to it. You can see which vegetables work well for your location and what you have time for. While prepackaged salads can be convenient, you don’t have to worry about how your vegetables are handled when you do it yourself. 

As far as cream cheese is concerned, you can also try making it at home. It’s a process, but again, you know that you’re doing it in a clean environment. Here’s a recipe to get you started. 

Cream Cheese From Scratch

Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup white distilled vinegar or ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp. salt (optional)

Before Making Your Cream Cheese:

You should ensure the pot, thermometer, measuring spoons, bowl, strainer, and storage container are clean. Moisten cheesecloth lightly and drape it over the strainer/colander. You can then place it in the large bowl or in the sink if you are discarding the whey. The thick curds will be heavy, so be sure you have enough cheesecloth to reach the bottom of the strainer/colander while still reaching over the sides.

Method:

1. Over medium-high heat, bring the milk and heavy cream to a gentle simmer (185-195°F).
2. Once the mixture looks like it is about to boil, turn off the heat and add vinegar (or lemon juice) and stir gently.
3. Allow the mixture to separate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, then spoon the mixture into the waiting cheesecloth and bowl/strainer. Once you have removed a few spoonfuls, slowly pour the remaining mixture into the cheesecloth.
4. Let the mixture rest in the cheesecloth for 30-45 minutes to remove some of the heavier whey, then gather the ends of the cheesecloth together. Tie the bundle securely and suspend the bundle over a bowl by 1-2 inches using a cabinet handle, faucet, or anything sturdy.
5. Allow the bundle to drain the remaining whey for 12-24 hours at room temperature or cooler.
6. Squeeze the bundle gently to remove any remaining liquid, then carefully transfer the cheese into your clean, airtight container.
7. Add salt or spices as you see fit.

Although this product recall was initiated last month, there’s still some concern that some of the products may have been repackaged or otherwise used. That’s why you should still pay attention to where your salads, cream cheese, and the products that contain them may come from. At the moment, it may be a good idea to try other brands or find other sources entirely.