Contaminated red leaf lettuce from a farm in Oxnard may have been sold at three small grocery chains in Los Angeles, the California Department of Public Health announced Friday.
Tests have detected salmonella bacteria in red leaf lettuce recently sold by Numero Uno markets across Southern California, Cardenas Market stores in the Inland Empire and the Canton Food Market on Alameda Street in Los Angeles, the state said.
The lettuce came from Fresh Choice Marketing of Oxnard, and was sold in unmarked bins in produce sections. According to the state, the contaminated batches of red leaf lettuce have already been pulled from stores.
Customers were advised to toss the lettuce, or return it for a refund.
Salmonella infection symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that can be bloody. Most infected patients recover on their own within a week, but the elderly, infants and people with compromised immune systems are at risk for more-severe illness.
Health officials urged anyone who may have been sickened by the red leaf lettuce, or other foodstuffs, to contact their health providers. People who believe the contaminated product is still being sold should call the CDPH hotline at (800) 495-3232.
