Bagged lettuce recall affects Iowa City schools

IOWA CITY - The Iowa City school district is pulling many of its salad products after a supplier issued a recall due to a possible listeria contamination.

According to  a release from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, River Ranch Fresh Foods of Salinas, Calif., recalled its bagged salad on May 18. However, a district news release said officials only received notice of the recall after much of the lettuce had already been served.

Over the last two weeks, lettuce from River Ranch was served to all students who eat lunch in the district, including “chef salad day” in the elementary schools on May 7. Additionally, a romaine lettuce blend is a daily food choice in all secondary schools.

No illnesses have been reported to the FDA, the release said, but district families should contact health professionals if their students experience flulike symptoms.

The FDA said products affected by the recall include coleslaw, different kinds of garden salads, shredded lettuce, Caesar salad kits, romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce from the Hy-Vee and Shurfresh brands. The recalled salad bags have “Best By” code dates between May 12 and May 22.