Salads

LeaderBrand has recalled its salad lines after listeria was detected in one of its product lines on 9 March.

The New Zealand leafy green and vegetable producer has recalled all of its salad product ranges, which are distributed at Countdown, New World and Pak’n Save, and advised consumers to return or dispose of its products bought since 3 March with best before dates from 15 March.

LeaderBrand CEO Richard Burke said its Ceaser Salad had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which could be harmful to the elderly, children under five years old, pregnant woman and people with comprised immune systems.

“While LeaderBrand Caesar Salad is only one of many product lines - and we are confident none of our other products have been affected - we immediately took steps to withdraw all salad products,” Burke said.

“We emphasise that this is an isolated incident and that as a proudly New Zealand owned and operated company, we take the health and safety of our customers very seriously. As things stand, we anticipate being able to supply fresh salad products soon.”

Salad products distributed to Subway and Pita Pit have also been recalled as a precaution.