Isabelle’s Kitchen has recalled nearly 1,000 cases of popular deli salads contaminated with Salmonella, affecting products sold across eight states under multiple brand names, with high-risk populations like children and seniors especially vulnerable to severe illness.
Key Takeaways
- Isabelle’s Kitchen recalled 946 cases of refrigerated deli salads due to potential Salmonella contamination linked to cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc.
- Affected products were distributed to eight states including Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia under the brands “Isabelle’s Kitchen,” “Maple Avenue Foods,” and “Kings.”
- Recalled items include Greek Pasta Salads, Mediterranean Pasta Salads, and Wheatberry Salads with use-by dates of May 30 and June 1, 2025.
- No illnesses have been reported yet, but consumers should return or discard affected products immediately.
- Young children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals face the highest risk of serious complications from Salmonella infection.
FDA Issues Immediate Food Safety Alert
The Food and Drug Administration has announced that Isabelle’s Kitchen, Inc. is recalling 946 cases of refrigerated deli salads due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recall was initiated after the company received notification from their cucumber supplier, Bedner Growers, Inc., that cucumbers delivered on May 14 and 15, 2025, might be contaminated with Salmonella. This cucumber supplier is currently under FDA investigation regarding a broader Salmonella outbreak, raising concerns about potential widespread contamination across multiple food products and brands.
The affected deli salads were distributed to foodservice distributors and supermarkets across eight states: New Hampshire, Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. This multi-state distribution highlights significant concerns about the potential reach of contaminated products. The recall includes various popular items packaged in white plastic containers inside white or brown corrugated boxes under three different brand names: “Isabelle’s Kitchen,” “Maple Avenue Foods,” and “Kings.”
Specific Products Identified in Recall
Consumers should check their refrigerators for specific products identified in the recall. These include Greek Pasta Salads, Mediterranean Pasta Salads, Crunchy Wheatberry Salads, Quinoa Tabouli, and Powerhouse Wheatberry Salad Kits. The potentially contaminated products can be identified by their Julian codes and use-by dates of May 30, 2025, and June 1, 2025. “No other Isabelle’s Kitchen products are affected by this recall,” according to company statements. However, consumers should remain vigilant about checking product labels and dates.
Distributors and retail locations have been instructed to immediately stop selling these products, remove them from store shelves, destroy any remaining inventory, and notify their customers about the recall. Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled items are strongly advised not to consume them under any circumstances. Instead, they should either discard the products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. While no illnesses have been reported as of the recall posting, the risk remains significant.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Salmonella
Salmonella infection is a serious concern, especially for vulnerable populations. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, which usually appear 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. Most healthy adults can recover without specific treatment within four to seven days. However, infants, young children, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems face significantly higher risks of developing severe or even life-threatening illnesses from Salmonella exposure.
In rare cases, Salmonella infection can result in the organism entering the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming these products should seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers about potential Salmonella exposure to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Keep Food Safe, a consumer advocacy organization, has also advised that affected consumers may be entitled to compensation and should seek guidance.
Government Oversight and Prevention Measures
This recall raises questions about the effectiveness of our food safety systems. While the FDA is investigating the source of contamination at Bender Growers, many Americans are left wondering why potentially contaminated cucumbers made it into the food supply in the first place. “The increasing frequency of food safety recalls demonstrates the need for stricter inspection protocols and higher standards for agricultural imports,” said President Trump, who has previously advocated for strengthening America’s food safety regulations and reducing dependence on foreign food sources that may not meet our safety standards.
The FDA recommends that consumers stay informed about food recalls by checking their website regularly and signing up for recall alerts. Additionally, practicing proper food handling and preparation techniques can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This includes washing hands and surfaces often, separating raw meats from other foods, cooking to proper temperatures, and refrigerating perishable foods promptly. As this investigation continues, additional products may be added to the recall list if contamination is discovered in other food items containing cucumbers from the same source.
