Garden-Fresh halts Milwaukee operations over product recalls

Garden-Fresh Foods, a US-based food firm, has halted operations at its production facility in Milwau…

Garden-Fresh Foods, a US-based food firm, has halted operations at its production facility in Milwaukee over product recalls.

The company has recalled tons of products in five recalls since August-end, as Michigan state food safety officials have found that its products are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, during a routine sampling.
 
The recalled products include fresh-cut vegetables and ready-to-eat slaws, dips and spreads, and 50 tons of ready-to-eat chicken and ham products.

Garden-Fresh spokeswoman Mary Roberts was quoted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as saying that it is unknown how long production will be halted while the company deals with the recalls and the contamination issue.

"We are working tirelessly to resolve the current issue and will make any changes necessary to ensure we are in compliance with food safety regulations and our own exacting standards for high quality," added Roberts.

US Food and Drug Administration inspectors have also inspected the plant, the company claims.

Meanwhile, the company has reassigned more than 100 employees at the plant. No illnesses have been reported associated with the recall.

Garden-Fresh Foods provides salad bases and kits, salads, fresh-cut vegetables, desserts, and dips and spreads in the US.

The company serves grocery chains, restaurants, health care facilities and institutions.