BrightFarms recalls greens from Mariano's out of E. coli concerns

Oct. 23--BrightFarms announced late Friday a voluntary recall of assorted leafy greens sold in Mariano's stores because of possible E. coli contamination at its hydroponic greenhouse in Rochelle, Ill.

"BrightFarms chose to take this action out of an abundance of caution after receiving routine lab results and discovering that certain product may have been compromised," according to the recall notice.

BrightFarms has an exclusive deal with Kroger-owned Roundy's in Illinois and Wisconsin and sells to its Mariano's stores in the Chicago area, as well as to Metro Market and Pick 'n Save stores in Wisconsin.

The following products in plastic clamshells -- with the "best by" dates of 10/24/2017, 10/25/2017, 10/26/2017, 10/27/2017 and 10/28/2017 -- are affected by the recall:

--BrightFarms Baby Spinach, Spring Mix, and Baby Greens Blend (4 oz. and 8 oz. packages)

--BrightFarms Spinach Blend, Baby Arugula, and Baby Romaine Mix (4 oz. packages)

--BrightFarms Baby Kale (3 oz. packages)

And the following basil products -- "best by" dates 10/20/2017, 10/21/2017, 10/22/2017, 10/23/2017 and 10/24/2017 -- are also affected:

--BrightFarms Basil (0.75 oz. and 2 oz. package)

--BrightFarms Thai Basil (0.75 oz. package)

--BrightFarms Lemon Basil (0.75 oz. package)

New York-based BrightFarms began operations last year out of its Rochelle greenhouse, about 80 miles west of Chicago. The company also has greenhouses in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. that are unaffected by the recall.

The recall notice advises customers to throw out the affected products or return them for a full refund. For more information, call (646) 480-5262 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT or email info@brightfarms.com with the subject line: Recall.

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