- Recall Date Issued: May 28, 2025
- Announced By: FDA on May 29, 2025
- Company: Isabelle’s Kitchen, Inc. (Harleysville, PA)
- Product: Refrigerated deli salads containing fresh cucumbers
- Issue: Potential contamination with Salmonella
- Details: Sold under “Isabelle’s Kitchen,” “Kings,” and “Maple Avenue Foods”
- Distributed To: Foodservice distributors and supermarkets in NH, FL, MD, SC, NJ, NC, PA, and VA
- Action: Consumers should discard or return the products immediately
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading.
What Happened?
In a fresh twist on food safety alerts, Isabelle’s Kitchen, Inc. has recalled 946 cases of its refrigerated deli salads after cucumbers used in the recipes were flagged for possible Salmonella contamination. The cucumbers came from Bedner Growers, Inc., who recently issued their own recall notice.
The salads, produced on May 14 and 15, 2025, were distributed across eight states and sold under various private label brands. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, the risk is significant enough for a full recall of the affected lots.
Here’s a quick reference table with key product info:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC/Item # | Use By Date | Issue |
Kings | Greek Pasta Salad | Varies | 4605 | June 1, 2025 | Salmonella Risk |
Isabelle’s Kitchen | Greek Pasta Salad | Varies | 5002B | June 1–2, 2025 | Salmonella Risk |
Maple Avenue Foods | Mediterranean Pasta Salad | Varies | 5007B | May 30–31, 2025 | Salmonella Risk |
Maple Avenue Foods | Crunchy Wheatberry Salad | Varies | 8015B | June 1, 2025 | Salmonella Risk |
Maple Avenue Foods | Quinoa Tabouli | Varies | 8031 | May 30–31, 2025 | Salmonella Risk |
Various Brands | Powerhouse Wheatberry Salad Kit | Varies | 8103KT | May 27–29, 2025 | Salmonella Risk |
What Caused the Issue?
The contamination risk stems from cucumbers supplied by Bedner Growers, Inc., which were processed into salads by Isabelle’s Kitchen on May 14 and 15, 2025. The cucumbers were washed and treated, but later recalled after further investigation revealed they may have been contaminated with Salmonella, a dangerous bacterium that can lead to serious foodborne illness.
Understanding Salmonella
Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly associated with raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, and vegetables. It is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the United States.
When ingested, Salmonella can cause symptoms including:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
In more severe cases, it can lead to:
- Bloodstream infections
- Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart’s inner lining)
- Arterial infections
- Reactive arthritis
Who Is Most at Risk?
While healthy adults may recover in a few days, the following groups are at heightened risk of severe outcomes:
- Infants and young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
10 Common Customer Questions and Answers
1. What should I do if I purchased one of these salads?
Do not consume the product. Either discard it or return it to the store for a refund.
2. How can I tell if I have one of the recalled products?
Check the item number and the Julian date on the label. Reference the table above to identify impacted products.
3. Are there any illnesses reported so far?
As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled salads.
4. What exactly is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause gastrointestinal illness and other severe health complications.
5. Can I cook the salad or heat it to make it safe?
No. These are ready-to-eat salads and not intended for heating. Discard the product to eliminate risk.
6. Where were the recalled products distributed?
To foodservice distributors and supermarkets in NH, FL, MD, SC, NJ, NC, PA, and VA.
7. How long do Salmonella symptoms take to appear?
Symptoms typically begin 6 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food.
8. How long do symptoms usually last?
For most healthy individuals, symptoms last 4 to 7 days.
9. Is there a treatment for Salmonella?
Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases may require antibiotics or hospitalization.
10. Who can I contact for more information?
You can contact Isabelle’s Kitchen, Inc. at 800-355-7252 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM EST).
Here’s What You Should Do
If you have one of the recalled products:
- Locate the item number and Julian code on the package.
- Do not eat the salad. Either throw it out or return it for a refund.
- Contact Isabelle’s Kitchen at 800-355-7252 with questions.
- Speak with a healthcare provider if you feel unwell after consuming the product.
Behind the Brand
Isabelle’s Kitchen, Inc. is a Harleysville, PA-based co-manufacturer specializing in deli salads and side dishes. Products are sold under private label brands including Kings and Maple Avenue Foods.
This is a notable recall for the brand, and one of several linked to produce this month, including:
- On May 26, 2025, Supreme Service Solutions LLC (a.k.a. Supreme Produce) voluntarily recalled a slew of fresh veggie and salad trays made with cucumbers because the cucumbers—sourced from Bedner Growers, Inc.—were possibly contaminated with Salmonella.
- On May 22, 2025, The Coastal Companies issued a voluntary product recall after discovering that fresh cucumbers used in 17 of their products could be contaminated with Salmonella.
- On May 23, 2025, Spectrum Brands Pet LLC issued a voluntary recall of a single lot of its Tetra ReptoMin 3-In-1 SELECT-A-FOOD reptile food because of possible Salmonella contamination in one of the components used in the mix.
- On May 22, 2025, Walmart Inc. voluntarily recalled its Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices from select stores in Texas due to Salmonella outbreak under FDA investigation.
- On May 22, 2025, Albertsons Companies voluntarily recalled three varieties of store-made Greek salad deli items due to the potential for Salmonella contamination.
“This recall is a clear example of how one ingredient—like a cucumber—can impact an entire product line. It underscores the critical need for traceability, quality checks, and strong supply chain communication,” says Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ingredient traceability and robust safety protocols. Even a well-managed co-manufacturer can be vulnerable if upstream suppliers are not fully vetted.
To manage food recalls effectively, companies should:
- Establish ingredient traceability systems from farm to label
- Conduct supplier risk assessments and audits regularly
- Implement clear recall communication protocols
- Maintain a food recall checklist to respond quickly and minimize damage
Contamination at the ingredient level doesn’t just affect product safety—it impacts trust, disrupts supply chains, and can incur long-term brand damage.
Want to reduce your risk and source with confidence? Talk to our team today for access to vetted suppliers and high-quality, traceable ingredients built for food safety.
