Bagged Spinach Linked to E. coli

Posted by Kathy Quan Sep 14, 2006

The cases of E. coli are spread across the country and are caused by the same strain of E. coli. The specific brand of packaged raw spinach has not yet been identified. Health officials with the CDC and FDA feel it necessary to alert the public.

The recommendation is to not eat any packaged raw spinich. Should you choose to ignore the warning, washing the spinach in warm water and cooking is highly recommended by public health officials.

E. coli lives in the intestines of animals. It grows on produce from contaminated soil. At this time other produce does not appear to be involved.

E. coli causes diarrhea and is frequently accompanied by bloody stools. Most healthy adults recover from a bout of E. coli in about a week, but the very young and the elderly are much more vulnerable to complications such as kidney failure which can lead to death.

See your health care practitioner if you suspect exposure.

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