The recent recall of spinach due to contamination with E. coli has raised concerns amongst consumers, food producers and regulators. E. coli is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. While many strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause serious illness.
Spinach, a leafy green vegetable, is a common source of E. coli outbreaks. This is because spinach is often grown in fields that are near animal farms or other sources of contamination, and it is often eaten raw, making it more vulnerable to contamination. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the recent spinach recalls and what you need to know to stay safe.
Recent Spinach Recalls
In September 2021, a number of spinach products were recalled due to potential contamination with E. coli. These products were distributed in several states throughout the United States and included fresh, bagged spinach as well as various salad mixes containing spinach.
The recall was initiated after routine testing conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development detected the presence of E. coli in a sample of fresh spinach. The contaminated spinach had been packed by a farm in Salinas, California, and distributed by a company called Fresh Express.
Fresh Express issued a voluntary recall of the affected products and urged consumers who had purchased the recalled spinach to throw it away or return it to their place of purchase for a refund. No illnesses had been reported at the time the recall was announced, but the company stated that it was taking “proactive measures to prevent any potential illnesses.”
This is not the first time that spinach has been implicated in an E. coli outbreak. In fact, leafy greens are one of the most common sources of E. coli outbreaks in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 40 outbreaks of E. coli linked to leafy greens between 2009 and 2018.
The Risks of E. coli Contamination
E. coli contamination can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 5 days after infection and can include:
– Abdominal cramps
– Diarrhea (often bloody)
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Fatigue
– Loss of appetite
– Low-grade fever
Most people with E. coli infections recover within a week, but in some cases, the infection can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney failure. This is more likely to occur in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Preventing E. coli Contamination
There are steps that consumers can take to reduce their risk of E. coli contamination when consuming spinach or other leafy greens. These include:
– Washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before preparing food and after handling raw meat or poultry.
– Washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or cooking them. This includes spinach, even if it is pre-washed.
– Using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and produce.
– Cooking meat to the recommended internal temperature.
– Storing raw meat and poultry on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
– Refrigerating or freezing leftover food promptly.
– Avoiding cross-contamination by keeping raw meats and poultry away from other foods in the grocery cart, shopping bags and refrigerator.
Government Oversight
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the safety of fresh produce in the United States. The FDA has issued guidance for growers and processors of leafy greens to help prevent E. coli contamination, including:
– Assessing and managing risks in the growing and harvesting environment.
– Implementing effective sanitation practices to reduce the risk of contamination.
– Testing water sources for the presence of pathogens.
– Preventing the co-mingling of harvested leafy greens with other foods and animals.
– Conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
In addition to FDA oversight, there are a number of industry-led programs that aim to promote food safety in the production and handling of leafy greens. One of these programs is the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA), which was formed in 2007 by California and Arizona leafy greens growers and shippers. The LGMA has established comprehensive food safety standards and requires all members to undergo regular audits to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
E. coli contamination in spinach is a serious issue that can cause illness and even death. Recent recalls of spinach products due to E. coli contamination serve as a reminder that food safety is an ongoing concern for consumers, food producers, and regulators.
To reduce your risk of E. coli infection when consuming spinach or other leafy greens, follow the recommended safety practices outlined by organizations such as the FDA and CDC. In addition, be aware of any recalls or outbreaks that may affect the products you consume and stay informed on the latest food safety news.
What do I need to know about the Spinach Recall?
The FDA is warning of another possible outbreak of E. coli associated with Spinach. They are asking producers of to recall their products. The FDA is advising consumers not to eat spinach, especially if it is known to have been produced in Monterey, San Benito, or Santa Clara counties located in California. So far 25 states have been included in the possible distribution circle of the contaminated vegetables.
In the last couple of years there have been many recalls of spinach products. In 2010 Ready Pac Foods, Inc. recalled 702 cases of their Baby Spinach variety that had use by dates between July 4 and July 8 due to a link between that product and E.coli contamination.
In September 2006 there was an outbreak of E. coli was also attributed to spinach. The tainted spinach has been linked to a facility in San Juan Batista, California. The outbreak confirmed 94 cases of E. coli infections and 14 deaths in Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wisconsin.
What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli is a common bacteria often found in the digestive systems of humans. It is normally harmless but when it is ingested it can cause serious health concerns. Common illnesses associated with E. coli infections are diarrhea and bloody stool. In most cases the illness is short lived, however, in a minority of individuals it can cause serious kidney damage and death. This is especially true in those individuals who are more susceptible to infections such as children and the elderly.
What brands have been included in the recall?
Natural Selection Foods, Pride of San Juan, Bellissima, Dole, Rave Spinach, Emeril, Sysco, Fresh Point Jansal Valley, Cheney Brothers, Riverside Farms and many others. It is advised that if you purchased any spinach recently you should return it to the store for a refund.
Lawsuits
Most recently a lawsuit between a Utah woman and a producer linked to the 2006 E.coli outbreak settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. The reports had stated that a jury was willing to award the woman $5 million in damages due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome that she was stricken with after being exposed to E. coli through the defendant’s spinach products. As a result of the settlement the specifics of the award are not available. There have been a number of lawsuits pending from the 2006 outbreak that resulted in 4 deaths and over 100 hospitalizations.
I have been eating spinach, what do I do?
If you or someone you know has been consuming spinach recently it is important that you stop. If the spinach was bagged, keep the package, if it was not bagged spinach then notify the store and ask them about recall information. You also want to go to the FDA’s website and search for recalls of that specific brand of spinach as well as the lot number and “use by” date. If you have developed an illness that can be attributed to your recent spinach consumption then it is important to seek medical treatment followed by consultation with an attorney.
