Listeria outbreak linked to Dole packaged salad kills 2, hospitalizes 13 others, CDC says

• A listeria outbreak linked to Dole packaged salads has killed two and hospitalized 13 others, per the CDC.
• The fatalities took place in Michigan and Wisconsin, the public health agency said.

A multistate listeria outbreak tied to Dole packaged salads has killed two people and hospitalized 13 others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The fatalities took place in Michigan and Wisconsin, the CDC said.

At least 17 people are infected with the outbreak strain of listeria across 13 states, but the CDC said that the true number of sick people is likely higher.

Cases of listeriosis can go unreported when people can recover without medical care and, consequently, do not require testing.

Listeriosis is a sometimes fatal infection caused by the germ Listeria monocytogenes, which can make pregnant women, babies, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems seriously well.

Last month, Dole, the largest producer of fruit and vegetables in the world, announced a recall of salads containing iceberg lettuce processed at plants in Ohio and California due to the listeria outbreak.

Affected products include Caesar salad kits, garden salads, mixed greens, and many other types of salads sold in bags, the CDC said.

These have been sold under multiple brand names, including Ahold, Dole, Kroger, Lidl, Little Salad Bar, President's Choice, and Simply Nature.

The public health agency advised that salads with "best if used by" dates between November 30, 2021, and January 9, are part of the recall. And products containing lot codes beginning with the letters "B," "N," "W," or "Y" have also been tied to the outbreak.

Consumers who have any products matching these descriptions are advised to discard them immediately, per a company announcement.

Insider reached out to Dole for comment but did not immediately receive a response.