Baker Farms recalls Curly Mustard for Listeria contamination

Here’s what you need to know:

Date: December 2nd
Announced by: FDA on December 2nd
Company: Baker Farms
Product: Baker Farms Curly Mustard Greens
Product details: 16 oz plastic bags; best by date: 11-21-2024; UPC: 8 13098 02018 4; lot code: bak144-6806
Issue: Listeria monocytogenes contamination

Keep reading to know all the details!

What happened?

Baker Farms issued a recall on December 2, after being notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services that their Curly Mustard tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. This leafy green was packed and distributed from November 5-9, 2024, but it wasn’t until late November that the Listeria risk was uncovered. The product was sold in 16 oz plastic bags, with a best-by date of 11-21-2024, and it made its way across various southern states—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

What caused the issue?

Lately, if the issue doesn’t involve Salmonella it most definitely involves Listeria. Listeria monocytogenes, is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. So far, no victims have been confirmed.

Here’s what you should do

If you have purchased this product, take action! Here’s how:

Check the label:
UPC code: 8 13098 02018 4
Best by date: 11-21-2024
Lot code: bak144-6806
Identify the product:
Baker Farms Curly Mustard Greens 16 oz plastic bags
Where to look:
The best-by date and production code are on the front of each package. No other bagged greens are included in this recall.
What to do with the product:
Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of it.
Contact info:
Those with questions can contact Baker Farms (844) 761-2244 Monday – Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm EST.

Behind the brand

The Georgia-based company began as a one-man operation, with its founder Terry Baker occasionally hiring his younger sisters and friends to assist in the planting and harvesting of his few acres of crops. Today, Baker Farms is still exclusively family-owned, employing several family members, numerous long-time employees, and over 320 seasonal workers. The company is driven to be a leader in the produce industry and is a proud member of the Leafy Greens Council, Southeast Produce Council, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and Georgia Grown. Unfortunately, this is not the first Listeria case in the last few weeks. This past November 28th, Connecticut company Gracie’s Kitchens recalled some of their ready-to-eat fruits and veggies that were distributed under different brands for Listeria.

Ensuring safe eats!

Food recalls, especially those related to Listeria, have a big impact on the fresh produce industry. Not only do they harm a brand’s reputation, but they also leave consumers second-guessing their next grocery run. For companies like Baker Farms, the takeaway is clear: stay vigilant with food safety practices. The industry as a whole needs to step up its quality control measures to avoid future contamination. Companies should conduct rigorous testing, especially for high-risk products like fresh greens. And let’s face it, when it comes to food safety, you can never be too cautious.

“Food safety is the cornerstone of a trusted supply chain. From the moment ingredients are sourced to the final product on the shelf, every step must be handled with the utmost care and responsibility. Ensuring quality and safety is not just about meeting standards—it’s about protecting consumers, building trust, and upholding the integrity of the entire food system. As an industry, we must remain vigilant and continuously improve our practices to ensure the food we provide is safe, reliable, and of the highest quality.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.

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