Recalled green vegetables, not always good for you

You’ve heard it since you were young child: eat your vegetables. But a recent recall of Taylor Farms bagged salads may have consumers thinking twice before eating the salad mix.

Taylor Farms Retail Inc. has issued a recall of their bagged salad products due to possible salmonella contamination. The concern was raised after a bag of spinach test positive for the bacteria. Could a contaminated bag of salad be considered a dangerous product?

When products can cause injuries or illness to consumers, manufacturers issue a recall to reduce harm to consumers. Because one package of bagged salad contained salmonella, there is a possibility that other bags contain salmonella as well. As a result of the recall, there were 12 types of bagged salads recalled, including packages of romaine.

How can you tell if you purchased a potentially contaminated bag of salad? Supermarkets across the country, including several in Florida, were impacted by the recall. Typically consumers who suspect that they purchased a recalled product can check with the grocery store or at the manufacturer’s website.

Although there has yet to be any incidents of illness reported from the tainted salad mixes, the situation should not be taken lightly. Even healthy individuals can suffer from nausea, abdominal pain and even vomiting if salmonella is ingested. Salmonella can be especially dangerous for those with weak immune systems such as children and senior citizens.

Suffering from an illness not only has physical implications, but can also impact one’s finances as well. Often medical treatment and medication can be expensive and victims of illnesses such as salmonella poisoning are unable to pay the unexpected costs.

In general, consumers who are injured or hurt by a defective or dangerous product can seek compensation for costs incurred due to the injury. These types of claims can also help keep negligent manufacturers responsible.

Source: Reuters: “Taylor Farms salad blends recalled on salmonella fears,” Ian Simpson, Oct. 20, 2011