Spinach and E. coli

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers nationwide about an outbreak of E. coli bacterial infection in multiple states. The FDA states that the outbreak may be linked to fresh spinach (both bagged and unbagged), and advises consumers not to purchase or consume fresh spinach if they cannot verify that it was grown in areas other than the three California counties implicated in the outbreak: Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara in California. Spinach grown in the rest of the United States has not been implicated in the current E. coli outbreak. The FDA states: "The public can be confident that spinach grown in the non-implicated areas can be consumed."

According to the FDA, 25 states have reported illnesses to date: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. (More from the FDA: Spinach and E. coli Outbreak)

What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (commonly called "E. coli") is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.

Health Problems Associated with E. coli

The E. coli bacteria causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

Links Between Spinach and E. coli

According to the FDA, evidence suggests that fresh spinach may be a possible cause of a recent E. coli outbreak, first reported by the FDA on September 14, 2006. To date, 173 cases of illness due to E. coli infection have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 27 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 92 hospitalizations, and one death. Illnesses continue to be reported to CDC.

Spinach Recalls

On September 22, 2006, Pacific Coast Fruit Company of Portland, Oregon initiated a voluntary recall of products that may include spinach supplied by Natural Selections Foods.

On September 22, 2006, Triple B Corporation, doing business as S.T. Produce, of Seattle, Washington, initiated a voluntary recall of its fresh spinach salad products with a "Use By" date of 8/22/2006 thru 9/20/2006.

On September 19, 2006, RLB Food Distributors, L.P., West Caldwell, NJ, initiated a voluntary recall of certain salad products that may contain spinach with an 'Enjoy Thru' date of 9/20/06.

River Ranch (of California) is recalling packages of spring mix containing spinach. River Ranch obtained bulk spring mix containing spinach from Natural Selections. The following brands are involved: Farmers Market, Hy Vee, Fresh and Easy. Products that do not contain spinach are not part of this recall.

Natural Selection Foods, LLC, of San Juan Bautista, California, is recalling all of its products containing spinach in all brands they pack with "Best if Used by Dates" of August 17, 2006 through October 1, 2006. These products include spinach and any salad with spinach in a blend, both retail and food service products. Products that do not contain spinach are not part of this recall.

Natural Selection Foods, LLC brands include: Natural Selection Foods, Pride of San Juan, Earthbound Farm, Bellissima, Dole, Rave Spinach, Emeril, Sysco, O Organic, Fresh Point, River Ranch, Superior, Nature's Basket, Pro-Mark, Compliments, Trader Joe's, Ready Pac, Jansal Valley, Cheney Brothers, Coastline, D'Arrigo Brothers, Green Harvest, Mann, Mills Family Farm, Premium Fresh, Snoboy, The Farmer's Market, Tanimura & Antle, President's Choice, Cross Valley, and Riverside Farms.

Advice for Consumers

Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.

As stated above, the FDA advises consumers not to purchase or consume fresh spinach if they cannot verify that it was grown in areas other than the three California counties implicated in the outbreak: Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara in California. Spinach grown in the rest of the United States has not been implicated in the current E. coli outbreak. The FDA states: "The public can be confident that spinach grown in the non-implicated areas can be consumed." Additionally, E. coli O157:H7 in spinach can be killed by cooking at 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds. If consumers choose to cook the spinach they should follow these cooking instructions and also remember to take steps to avoid cross-contamination of the fresh spinach with other foods and food contact surfaces and to wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling the spinach.

Spinach and E. coli - Getting Legal Help

If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions that might be related to consumption of spinach -- including symptoms of E. coli infection -- you should first seek immediate medical attention. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any E. coli-related illness caused by consumption of spinach. To find an experienced attorney, use the "Find a Lawyer" tool on the left side of this page, or click here.

Some content above from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention