Several retailers in Australia have issued recalls because of the risk of E. coli contamination in fresh produce.
Spinach and mixed salad items have been recalled in multiple states following detection of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) in two spinach products. The type of STEC involved has not been released by authorities.
Recalls are being conducted by Aldi, Woolworths, Metcash and Coles for products with use-by dates ranging from March 26 to April 9.
STEC was detected in two pre-packaged, ready-to-eat spinach products purchased from separate Queensland supermarkets as part of public health surveillance.
Retailers have decided to undertake the recalls in response to the detections as a precaution to protect public health.
Public health and food authorities are investigating the source of the contamination but no illnesses have been linked to the recalled products.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) coordinates food recalls in Australia. State and territory health authorities and the federal Department of Health and Aged Care are responsible for monitoring and reporting cases of foodborne illness.
FSANZ said food products contaminated with STEC may cause illness if consumed. People should not eat products subject to the recalls and can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
About E. coli infections
Food contaminated with E. coli may not look, smell or taste bad. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible food poisoning. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications.
About 5 percent to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.
Some people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.
People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage and neurologic problems.
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