Made Fresh Salads Inc. recalled all ready-to-eat cream cheeses, tofu spreads and more than 40 deli-style prepared foods after company and FDA environmental testing found Listeria monocytogenes in the production facility. The recall affects 25 cream-cheese varieties and numerous salads distributed across New York City, with expiration dates from Sept. 3–18. Some items may have been repackaged by retailers and lack the manufacturer label. No illnesses have been reported; consumers should return affected items for a refund and contact the company or seek medical care if symptomatic.
Listeria Recall Hits NYC Bagel Scene: 25 Cream Cheeses and Dozens of Deli Salads Pulled
Photograph: Shutterstock
New Yorkers should think twice before spreading that scallion or lox cream cheese: Made Fresh Salads Inc. has recalled a wide range of ready-to-eat cream cheeses, tofu spreads and deli salads after federal and company tests detected Listeria monocytogenes in parts of the production facility.
What Was Recalled
The recall, announced after an FDA notice posted on September 6, covers 25 cream-cheese and tofu-spread varieties sold under the Made Fresh Salads and Northside brands, including popular flavors such as scallion, lox, garlic & herb, strawberry and whipped, and more unusual varieties like bacon scallion, jalapeño cheddar and chocolate chip. More than 40 prepared deli items are also affected, from potato and macaroni salads to tuna salad, shrimp salad, tortellini pesto, quinoa salad, puddings, potato croquettes and crab cakes.
Packaging, Dates and Where Items Were Distributed
Products were shipped in five- and 30-pound white plastic tubs or half-size aluminum pans. The FDA warns some retailers may have repackaged items into their own deli containers, so a Made Fresh Salads or Northside label may not appear on every affected product. The recalled items carry expiration dates from September 3 through September 18, although repackaged goods will show retailer-specific codes. Distribution included retailers and distributors across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and other parts of New York City.
Health Risk and Current Status
No illnesses linked to these products have been reported so far. However, health officials note that Listeria can cause serious or fatal infections in young children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a weakened immune system. During pregnancy, infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or severe newborn illness. Healthy people may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
What To Do If You Bought These Products
Consumers who purchased any potentially affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of it. If you are unsure whether your neighborhood deli used the recalled supply, ask the retailer or contact Made Fresh Salads at 718-765-0082, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. If you or a family member consumed a recalled product and develop symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately—pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals should seek care promptly.
Company Response
Made Fresh Salads has halted production and distribution while it and federal regulators investigate the source of contamination and conduct cleaning and corrective actions at the facility.
In the meantime, many New Yorkers may opt to skip the schmear and order their morning bagel with butter until the recall is resolved.
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