The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has warned the public not to consume “Dole Italian Blend Salad” out of concern for possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

CFIA identified the involved product as:  Dole Italian Blend Salad, sold in a 10 oz. (283 g) plastic bag bearing UPC 0 71430 00819 5 and Best Before date 11-JN-19 (June 19, 2011).

CFIA has confirmed that the Dole Salads were distributed to the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.  It is possible that distribution occurred outside those provinces as well. 

To date, there have thankfully been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.  Dole is conducting a voluntary recall of the product.

In the past, Dole salad products have been associated with outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 – in lettuce in 2005 and in spinach in 2006