Advisory Issued About NH-Grown Lettuce Contaminated With e.Coli

A warning about a specific lot of lettuce grown in New Hampshire was issued by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Friday.

The voluntary recall was prompted by a sample of a specific lot of lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens produced at their Loudon greenhouse, which had the potential to be contaminated by e.Coli

The lot number is SP10723- 1RGH1, UPC 8 50439 00709 1 with a "best by" date 5/5/23. It is sold in a 4-oz, clear, plastic clamshell container. It is sold at several retailers including Hannaford and Market Basket in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New York.

No illnesses have been reported as of Friday.

The company is testing all products produced in its New Hampshire facility for E. coli 0157:H7 prior to distribution.

“As E. coli O157 bacteria can cause serious illness, it is best to throw out any potentially contaminated food rather than risk infection,” Tricia Tilley, Director of Public Health Services said in a statement. “Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different so there is no way to tell.”

Consumers who have purchased the affected lēf Farms “Spice” products should discard them or present a photo of the product or receipt to their place of purchase for a full refund and then throw away. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 between 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. EDT or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line Recall.

E. coli symptoms develop usually within two to eight days of ingesting the germ. Seniors, the very young, and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illnesses

E. coli can be prevented by thorough hand-washing after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, before and after food preparation, and after contact with animals.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH