JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Publix Supermarkets have issued a voluntary recall on bags of their Publix brand Chopped Hearts of Romaine lettuce after discovering listeria during a routine Food and Drug Administration inspection.
FDA officials said the 10-ounce bags of pre-chopped lettuce were distributed to stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee starting on Sept. 8.
Publix has released a statement saying, "While the product is no longer available on store shelves, we have issued a voluntary recall because of our commitment to food safety and to advise our customers who may still have this product at home."
Customers who purchased the lettuce can return it to their local Publix for a full refund.
No illnesses have been linked with the latest recall, but listeria can cause serious infections in people with lowered immune systems such as children and the elderly. Symptoms include high fever, stiffness, nausea and abdominal pain.