Use Caution with Fresh Spinach

Prevent the Spread of E. coli

Written Sept. 20, 2006; last updated Oct. 9, 2006.

The Source: Contaminated Spinach
What Is E. coli O157:H7?
Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 Infection
Which Spinach Is Safe to Eat?
Does Cooking the Spinach Kill the Bacteria?
Who Is Affected?
Product Recalls

The Source: Contaminated Spinach

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified contaminated fresh spinach grown in three California counties--San Benito, Santa Clara, and Monterey--as the source of E. coli O157:H7, the bacteria strain that has recently caused three deaths and nearly two hundred cases of illness.

On Friday, September 29, the FDA announced that the all of the contaminated spinach responsible for the current outbreak has traced back to Natural Selection Foods, LLC, of San Juan Bautista, California. The FDA is still investigating the outbreak.

What Is E. coli O157:H7?

E. coli bacteria are normally found in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most strains are harmless, a few, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe diarrhea and potentially deadly complications. E. coli O157:H7 can survive at extreme temperatures, and only a few bacteria cells are needed to cause illness.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 Infection

The most common symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection are diarrhea and bloody stool. If you experience one or both of these symptoms, seek medical attention. Most people experience full recovery within one week, but some people--particularly children and the elderly--can develop a type of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). During the current outbreak, thirty cases of HUS have been reported so far.

If you feel sick and have recently eaten spinach or a product containing spinach, see a doctor as soon as possible. If you have eaten spinach recently and feel healthy, you do not need to see a doctor.

Which Spinach Is Safe to Eat?

You should not eat spinach grown in Monterey County, San Benito County, and Santa Clara County, California. The spinach from these farms may be packaged elsewhere, so you should not purchase or eat fresh spinach if you can't tell where it was grown.

You can safely eat spinach grown outside these California counties. Processed spinach products, including canned and frozen spinach, are safe to eat. No other produce from the affected area has been implicated in the current E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.

Does Cooking the Spinach Kill the Bacteria?

Cooking contaminated spinach at 160° Fahrenheit for fifteen seconds can kill E. coli O157:H7. However, certain methods of cooking--such as using a frying pan--may not be completely effective. All the bacteria may not be killed if all parts of the spinach do not reach 160°F. There is also a risk of cross-contamination if the spinach touches kitchen surfaces or other food products. If you decide to cook spinach that may be contaminated, be sure to wash your hands, utensils, and food preparation surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling the spinach.

Who Is Affected?

During this outbreak, cases have been reported in twenty-six states: 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, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The FDA continues to investigate this case, so more states may be added to this list.

Affected products were also distributed to Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Mexico, and Taiwan. Canada has confirmed one case of E. coli O157:H7 infection connected to the current outbreak. The other four countries have not reported any illnesses related to the consumption of these products.

Product Recalls

Five U.S. companies that package and distribute spinach products have recalled certain products that may have included contaminated spinach.

Natural Selections Foods, a California supplier, has recalled all their spinach-containing products packaged with "Best if Used By" dates of August 17, 2006 through October 1, 2006.

River Ranch, also of California, has recalled two brands that were distributed in Iowa, New Mexico, and Texas.

RLB Food Distributors, L.P., of New Jersey, has recalled several salad products with an "Enjoy Thru" date of September 20, 2006.

Triple B Corporation, which also operates under the names S.T. Produce, of Seattle, Washington and Pacific Coast Fruit Company of Portland, Oregon, has recalled its fresh spinach salad products with "Use By" dates of August 22, 2006, through September 20, 2006, distributed in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Pacific Coast Fruit Company has recalled all salad products with a "Use By" date of September 20, 2006 or earlier and all pizza products with a "Use By" date of September 23, 2006 or earlier. The recalled products were distributed in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

You can find specific brand recall information on the FDA's Nationwide E. Coli O157:H7 Outbreak: Questions & Answers page.

These recalls do not include any other types of leafy greens other than spinach.