SACRAMENTO (September 15, 2006) – State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton announced today the voluntary recall of fresh, prepackaged spinach products manufactured by Natural Selection Foods of San Juan Bautista that are possibly related to a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157.  Horton also confirmed one California illness associated with the outbreak: a Shasta County adult who was hospitalized and is recovering at home.

“While the source of the contamination is still under investigation, Natural Selection Foods is voluntarily recalling its fresh, prepackaged spinach products as a precaution,” Horton said.  “Consumers should not eat any fresh, prepackaged spinach until the source of the contamination that is causing this outbreak is determined.”

The products being recalled include the following brands with “Best if Used by Dates” of Aug. 17 through Oct. 1: Dole, Natural Selection Foods, Pride of San Juan, Earthbound Farm, Bellissima, 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, Pro*Act, Premium Fresh, Snoboy, The Farmer’s Market, Tanimura & Antle, President’s Choice, Cross Valley and Riverside Farms. These products include spinach and any salad with spinach in a blend, both retail and foodservice products. Products that do not contain spinach are not part of this recall.

To date, 94 illnesses and one death in Wisconsin, have been reported to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CDC and state health departments, including California Department of Health Services (CDHS), is ongoing.  CDHS is working with local health departments to identify any additional illnesses linked to the outbreak, and will continue to work closely with CDC and FDA in the ongoing investigation.

Twenty states, including California, have reported illnesses to CDC to date.  The other states are Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

E. coli infection often causes abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea.  A small percentage of infected individuals also develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and kidney failure may occur.  There is usually little or no fever, and the illness typically resolves itself in five to 10 days.  Those most at risk for serious complications of this food-borne illness include young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.  Consumers should seek immediate medical care if they develop these symptoms.

Consumers who have purchased spinach or spinach-containing products bearing these brand names should discard the product. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-755-0879. 

Return to Other Environmental Health News