2021 Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Packaged Salads Produced by Dole

Prevent Listeria

• Find out if you are at higher risk for getting sick with Listeria.
• Learn which foods are more likely to contain Listeria, and take steps to prevent getting sick.
• Stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks to avoid getting sick from eating contaminated food.

Prepare Leafy Greens Safely

Vegetables, including leafy greens, are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. However, they can sometimes be contaminated with harmful germs.

The safest produce is cooked; the next safest is washed. However, no washing method can remove all germs.

When eating raw leafy greens:

• Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces before and after preparing leafy greens.
• Clean leafy greens before eating or cutting them.
  • Discard outer leaves on whole heads of lettuce and any torn or bruised leaves.
  • Rinse under running water and use your hands to gently rub the surface of the leaves.
  • Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  • If the label on a leafy greens package says “ready to eat,” “triple washed,” or “no washing necessary,” you don’t need to wash the greens.
• Separate leafy greens from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Refrigerate leafy greens within 2 hours. Refrigerate within 1 hour if they have been exposed to temperatures above 90°F (such as a hot car or picnic).