Wegman’s Spinach and Spring Mix Recall Issued Over E. Coli Risk

About 31,000 pounds of organic spinach and spring mix lettuce sold by Wegmans has been recalled, after it was linked to at least 16 cases of E. Coli food poisoning. 

A Wegmans Organic Spinach and Spring Mix Blend recall was announced on November 2, after at least 16 reports were received of E. Coli O157 H:7 infections among individuals who consumed the lettuce. All of the food poisoning incidents took place in New York.

The spinach and spring mix lettuce was supplied to Wegmans by State Garden, Inc. based in Chelsea, Massachusetts, but was sold throughout six states along the Mid-Atlantic.

The organic salads were sold by Wegmans Food Markets in 5 oz. and 11 oz. clam shell packages in the produce department of its stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts between October 14 and November 1.

Affected organic spinach and spring mix sold in 5 oz. packages have UPC number 77890 16437 and the 11 oz. packages have UPC number 77890 16411. To date, only spinach with a “use-by-date” of October 23 has been linked to the illnesses, but Wegmans has removed all code dates to prevent further risk to consumers.

E. coli O157:H7 is one of the more common causes of food poisoning in the United States. When left untreated, it can lead to dehydration and potentially life-threatening illness.

Symptoms of E. coli poisoning typically only last a few weeks for healthy adults.  However, young children and the elderly could be at risk for more severe illness, where the toxin may enter the blood stream. In rare cases, E. coli infections can lead to kidney failure, known as Hemolytic-Urenia Syndrome (HUS).

Earlier this year, Wegmans issued  a hard-cooked eggs recall for eggs packaged as part of deli trays and ingredients in a variety of salads due to traces of Listeria Monocytogenes in a random sample test. The egg products were sold in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Canandaigua, Newark, Geneva, Corning, Elmira, Geneseo, and Hornell but no illnesses were reported.

Consumers who purchased the recalled spinach and spring mix have been advised to discard any that remains in their homes and visit the service desk at a Wegmans food market for a full refund. Consumers who have eaten the recalled spinach and experienced any symptoms should see their health care physician immediately.