Stern Produce Recalls Baby Broccoli Due to Bacterial Contamination Risk
Stern Produce Company Inc. is recalling one lot of Queen Victoria Sweet Baby Broccoli because it may be contaminated with bacteria from dripping ice water.
The agency’s classification
FDA (Food): Class II
Class II is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (bacterial contamination) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.
Plain-English summary
Stern Produce Company Inc. is voluntarily recalling one lot of Queen Victoria Sweet Baby Broccoli. The product is packed in ice in half bushel boxes containing 18-count bunches. The specific lot has a pack date of Nov 07, 2019, and is labeled with Stern Lot Code 36138209, Item #668, and Ippolito Lot Code 19WIM6ABBMSP. The broccoli was packaged by Ippolito International in Salinas, CA.
The recall is being issued because the product may be contaminated with bacteria contained in dripping ice water from a drain tray in the cooler. The source text does not specify the type of bacteria or report any illnesses or injuries associated with the product.
All direct consignees for this lot are located in Arizona. Consumers who have this product should check their inventory for the specific lot codes and pack date listed above. If the product matches the description, it should not be consumed.
The recalled product
- Product
- Queen Victoria Sweet Baby Broccoli from Ippolito International, packed in ice in half bushel boxes, 18 count bunches/case, pack date of Nov 07 [2019], twist tie label on each bunch. Packaged by Ippolito International, Salinas, CA 93901 (see photos of labels on pgs. 3-4 of Att…
- Manufacturer
- Stern Produce Company Inc.
- Category
- Food — Fresh Produce
- Hazard
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Lot numbers (5)
- Case labeled with pack date of Nov 07 [2019]. Stern Lot Code: 36138209
- Item #668
- Ippollito Lot Code: 19WIM6ABBMSP. Fresh produce
- no exp or best by date on product
- average shelf life of 14-21 days.
Distribution
Distributed in 1 state:
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