FDA releases consumer alert in relation to spinach
Following is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer alert received by the Food Protection Program warning on a foodborne E.coli O157:H7 outbreak implicating fresh bagged spinach.
The FDA is advising consumers not to any eat fresh bagged spinach. No other product information is currently available. We are not aware of any illnesses in MA at this time associated with this outbreak.
E.coliO157:H7 is destroyed by thorough cooking (160 F). However, FDA is advising that no
one eat or use fresh bagged spinach. Washing alone may not eliminate all of the E.coliO157:H7
if present. We are advising that commercial food establishments remove all bagged fresh spinach from sale until further notice.
Suspected illness complaints should be reported to the local board of health. If people suspect they are ill, they should be notifying their health care providers. Boards of health should immediately notify the Food Protection Program at 617-983-6712 or the Epidemiology Program
617-983-6800 of any suspect foodborne illness complaints implicating fresh bagged spinach.
Please share this information with consumers, constituents and anyone that may have questions or concerns within your jurisdiction.