Food producer Green Valley Organics has issued a voluntary recall for thousands of its popular Southwest Style Chopped Salad Kits after a packaging error introduced potentially life-threatening allergens not listed on the label. The Green Valley salad recall affects products distributed to major retailers in five western states, prompting a serious food safety alert from federal regulators. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators immediately.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that dressing and topping packets from the company’s Asian Peanut Crunch salad kit were mistakenly included in the packaging for the Southwest Style kits. This mix-up introduced undeclared peanuts, soy, and cashews into a product that is not supposed to contain them, posing a significant risk of severe or life-threatening allergic reactions
Green Valley Organics Issues Urgent Salad Recall
| Key Fact | Detail |
| Product Recalled | Green Valley Organics Southwest Style Chopped Salad Kit (12 oz. bag) |
| Affected Lot Codes | GVO227A, GVO227B, GVO228A |
| “Best By” Dates | September 9, 2025 to September 12, 2025 |
| Primary Risk | Undeclared peanuts, soy, and tree nuts (cashews) |
| Consumer Action | Do not consume. Dispose of the product or return for a full refund. |
Scope of the Recall and Immediate Health Risk
The recalled salad kits were shipped to retail locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the official recall notice, specifying that it applies to 12-ounce bags with the Universal Product Code (UPC) 0-12345-67890-1 and “Best By” dates ranging from September 9 to September 12, 2025. The primary danger lies with the undeclared allergens. The label for the Southwest Style salad does not list peanuts, soy, or cashews, which are among the most common triggers for severe food allergies.
“For an individual with a severe peanut or tree nut allergy, accidental ingestion can trigger anaphylaxis within minutes,” said Dr. Eleanor Vance, an immunologist and food safety researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “This is a medical emergency characterized by hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing, and it can be fatal without immediate treatment with epinephrine.” FDA stated in its alert that the recall was initiated after a consumer reported an allergic reaction. The agency is working with Green Valley Organics to ensure the affected products are removed from store shelves and to investigate the root cause of the packaging error.
Company Response and Investigation
In a statement, Green Valley Organics apologized for the error and the potential danger it posed to its customers. The company confirmed it has ceased production and distribution of the affected product while it conducts a thorough internal investigation.
“Consumer safety is our absolute highest priority, and we are taking this matter extremely seriously,” said Laura Chen, Vice President of Quality Assurance for Green Valley Organics. “We have identified a failure in our packaging verification process and are implementing immediate corrective actions to prevent this from happening again. We deeply regret any distress this has caused.”
The company’s preliminary investigation points to a mechanical sorting error on a single production line that led to the incorrect dressing and topping packets being dispensed into the Southwest Style salad bags.
What Consumers Should Do Now
Officials from both the FDA and Green Valley Organics are advising consumers who have purchased the Southwest Style Chopped Salad Kit to check the lot codes and “Best By” dates carefully.
Actionable Steps for Consumers
- Locate the Product: Check your refrigerator for the 12 oz. Green Valley Organics Southwest Style Chopped Salad Kit.
- Verify the Codes: Look for lot codes GVO227A, GVO227B, or GVO228A and a “Best By” date between September 9 and September 12, 2025.
- Do Not Eat: If the product matches the recall information, do not consume it, even if you do not have a known allergy. Cross-contamination can pose a risk in households where someone has a severe allergy.
- Dispose or Return: The company advises consumers to either dispose of the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions can contact the Green Valley Organics consumer hotline at 1-800-555-0199 or visit the company’s website for more information on the Green Valley salad recall.
This incident underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling and the robust systems required to prevent cross-contamination in food production facilities. The FDA will continue to oversee the recall and monitor the company’s corrective actions to ensure the safety of the public food supply.
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