Fresh Spinach

[JVO]

We just got an alert from the FDA that a lot of bagged Fresh Spinach has been to determined to cause E Coli. Under no circumstance should anyone eat, purchase, order spinach of any kind until the Health Department gives the ok. We will be notified at work and I will post it.

Watch out Olive Oil, there is nothing to stop Brutus now!

[JVO]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P06-131
September 14, 2006
Media Inquiries:
301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA


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.

[007]

This stinks!
This is total BS!

I really like spinach. I buy a bag at least every 2 weeks. I was gonna get one tonite. Thanks for the heads up, JVO.

Boo! E Coli.

[JVO]

Spring Mix salads have also been put on the list of possibly containing E Coli. You should dispose of all spring mix salads. To be safe it may be best to avoid all salads for a couple days.

Also note that washing of produce does not remove E Coli, so even if you wash your produce it will have no effect.

We have removed all salads from all of our dining centers per instructions from the FDA and CDC.