Spinach Recall Issued Due to Risk of Salmonella Food Poisoning
More than 1,700 cartons of bunched spinach shipped to 12 states and Canada have been recalled because they may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria, posing a risk that consumers could suffer severe food poisoning if the spinach is eaten.
The FDA announced the spinach recall issued by Ippolito International, LP of Salinas, California, on September 18. Approximately 1,515 cartons of the spinach were sold under the “Queen Victoria” brand, and another 200 cartons were sold under the “Tubby” label. The spinach was harvested between September 1 and September 3, and distributed to Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba, Canada.
Although no illnesses have been reported in connection to the recall, contaminated spinach has the potential to cause widespread illness and even death.
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Learn MoreThe “Tubby” and “Queen Victoria” spinach salmonella contamination was detected by random testing in Michigan when the USDA Microbial Data Program sent a sample to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, where it was analyzed and the contamination traced back to Ippolito.
The Queen Victoria spinach was packed in cardboard cartons with “Spinach” printed on the side, and the 12 and 24 count bunches are tied together with a twist tie with printing that reads “Queen Victoria Produce of USA PLU 4090 UPC 33383 65200.” A Code Date Sticker on the edge panel of the cartons will say that the spinach was harvested on September 1, 2 or 3, 2009.
The Tubby brand spinach was shipped in cardboard cartons with the word “Tubby” on the side, and the 24 count bunches are tied together with a twist tie with printing that reads “Spinach Produce of USA PLU 4090 UPC 33383 65200.” A Code Date Sticker on the edge panel of the cartons will say that the spinach was harvested on September 2, 2009.
Nearly three years ago, another massive spinach recall was issued due to contamination with a E. coli bacteria. More than 200 people were sickened as a result of that contamination and 3 deaths were linked to consuming the tainted spinach.
Following the 2006 recall for spinach, the California growers industry put forward the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, which lists specific safety measures that growers would take to prevent future outbreaks. Ippolito is a signatory to that covenant, but the agreement has been criticized by a number of groups who say it is too weak because participation is voluntary, and that it is environmentally unfriendly. The Consumers Union and others have pressed the FDA to enact sweeping food safety reforms that would be mandatory and nationwide.
4 Comments
SheriMarch 16, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Correction in spelling Salmonella!!
SheriMarch 16, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Is there a possibility that the contamination is due to Genetically Modified Foods rather than Semonello. I have read where allergic reaction to some Genetically Modified Foods Bt Corn for instance is similar to Semonello poisoning.
S TrendSeptember 23, 2009 at 5:29 am
I am finding it VERY FRUSTRATING that altho Federal and state agencies have been notified of the following.... it is STILL NOT BEING INVESTIGATED!!!! The EPA’s, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division preprinted Form; 8570-6 [which is sent to biopesticide manufacturing companies] states: QUOTE: After fermentation and prior to further processing, each batch must have been tested or the f[Show More]I am finding it VERY FRUSTRATING that altho Federal and state agencies have been notified of the following.... it is STILL NOT BEING INVESTIGATED!!!! The EPA’s, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division preprinted Form; 8570-6 [which is sent to biopesticide manufacturing companies] states: QUOTE: After fermentation and prior to further processing, each batch must have been tested or the following microbial contaminates and have levels below those listed: E. coli/ Coliform Bacteria Salmonella Shigella Staphylocci Vibrio Yeast Mold END OF QUOTE Why in the world would the EPA have any concerns of the above microorganisms being in ANY biocontrol product? What is being deemed as being a safer and environmentally friendly form of insect and disease control compared to “chemicals” should raise a question in everyone’s mind. Of course, time will tell, won’t it? Unfortunately, when the damage is done it is just that, done. There is going to be no turning back. And FYI, MOST of the e-coli and salmonella found in our food is coming from California... the hub of bio-pesticides, bio-insecticides, bio-fungicides, etc.: products (living fungus and bacteria) that are sprayed on food crops and used for insect control. The California company where my son worked; AND GOT SICK after 5 months and 9 days on the job, has a manufacturing plant that produces the above products in MEXICO. This too has been reported to Government officials.
LouiseSeptember 22, 2009 at 1:38 pm
where can you get safe spinach?