Georgia's leafy greens are under scrutiny as Baker Farms has recalled its curly mustard greens due to potential listeria contamination, the company announced earlier this week. The affected product is the 16-ounce bags of Baker Farms Curly Mustard with a sell-by date of Nov. 21, 2024. These bags were distributed between Nov. 5 and Nov. 11 to several states across the Southeast and into Texas. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the greens were packaged in clear plastic and were sold to distribution centers in Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Listeria concerns were raised after Texas health officials detected the contamination in late November. Although no illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall, listeria is known for causing severe infections particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. "Healthy individuals may only suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea," notes a Georgia Department of Agriculture press release, and an infection could be more serious for pregnant women, as reported by Georgia Public Broadcasting.
The specific lot to be cautious of has the production code BAK144-6806. Consumers who have purchased the contaminated product are advised not to consume it and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Alternatively, they may choose to simply dispose of the product. For additional details or concerns, customers can reach out to Baker Farms on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (844) 761-2244.
No illness has yet been reported as of Tuesday, the day the Georgia Department of Agriculture made its announcement. The agency also emphasized the importance of consumer safety, advising, "Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume the product but to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, or they may discard the product," as conveyed in a statement obtained by Georgia Public Broadcasting. Consumers with questions may contact Baker Farms for support and information regarding the recall.
