E. coli: Bagged, Fresh Spinach
Do not eat bagged, fresh spinach. The FDA has issued a warning that bagged spinach, including bagged baby spinach, may be responsible for an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has resulted in one death, 8 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome and at least 41 other E. coli infections. To date, people have fallen ill in the states of Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin, but consumers in all states should not eat bagged spinach until further notice is given. Do not rely on washing the spinach to remove the E. coli because E. coli can live within the spinach leaves. The only way to kill E. coli bacteria in spinach leaves is to cook it.
Below is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning that was issued today. Pritzker | Ruohonen, a leader in food poisoning litigation, is reprinting it here as a public service.
FDA Warning on Serious Foodborne E.coli O157:H7 Outbreak:
One Death and Multiple Hospitalizations in Several States
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers about an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of produce. To date, preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that bagged fresh spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.
Based on the current information, FDA advises that consumers not eat bagged, fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.
"Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed. We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem," said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
E. coli O157:H7 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. To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.
FDA will keep consumers informed of the investigation as more information becomes available.
For questions about bagged baby spinach and E. coli, contact attorney Fred Pritzker for a free consultation by calling toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, e-mailing fhp@pritzkerlaw.com, or filling out our online consultation form.
Fred Pritzker has extensive E. coli lawsuit experience and has recovered millions for victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness outbreaks. In recognition of his achievements, other lawyers selected him for inclusion in the 2005-2006 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America.
Priztker | Ruohonen is a national law firm and represents clients throughout the United States. Our offices are in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but we will meet clients in Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin at a place that is convenient for them.
