A heads up to spinach lovers: there’s been a recall on two brands of organic baby spinach distributed in the U.S.
According to a recall alert published by the FDA, the decision to pull the suspect spinach from shelves was made after a random test at a distribution center in Terrel, Texas, found a possible salmonella contamination in a finished package of spinach.
The test was completed by the Texas Department of Agriculture under a cooperative agreement the USDA holds with individual states requiring them to hold frequent, random testing of fruits and vegetables for safety precautions.
The contaminated bag of spinach came from Taylor Farms in Salinas, California, where the grower took impressive cautionary measures to remove packages of spinach being sold under the brand names Private Selection and Marketside. No illnesses have been reported to date as a result of the potential contamination.
Consumers should know that the specific products being recalled are: Private Selection Organic Baby Spinach 5 ounce clamshell with a ‘Best By’ date of 5-25-12. These bags were distributed to stores in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
As well as Marketside Organic Baby Spinach 10 ounce clamshell with a ‘Best By’ date of 5-25-12, which were distributed to stores in Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. All were reportedly distributed on May 9th and 10th.
For those who may have already consumed some of the suspect spinach, common symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal dramas and fever within 72 hours of consumption. Salmonella poisoning can be potentially severe and even fatal for infants, elderly, pregnant woman and those with weak immune systems.
The FDA issued a statement ensuring the public that these products have been removed from the marketplace, but that consumers should not buy or eat organic baby spinach from either of these labels. Illnesses or adverse events caused by the use of these products should be emailed to the FDA at [email protected] or reported by phone at 240-402-2405.
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source: CNN