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For Immediate Release: 09/15/06

Multi-state Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections from Bagged Spinach

Health officials in several states and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified a widespread outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with consumption of bagged spinach. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release September 14 advising consumers not to eat bagged spinach, and is working with the industry to remove the potentially contaminated produce from the market.

As of September 15, ninety-four (94) persons infected with the outbreak strain of bacteria have been reported to CDC from 20 states. Among the ill, twenty-nine persons (31%) were hospitalized, fourteen (15%) developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), and one adult in Wisconsin died.

The outbreak was first recognized in Wisconsin when health officials received information about an unusually high number of persons with recent E. coli O157 infection. Around the same time, members of OutbreakNet (the network of public health epidemiologists who investigate foodborne disease outbreaks) were noticing smaller clusters of E. coli O157 infections with the outbreak pattern. OutbreakNet identified a multi-state outbreak on September 13, and implicated bagged spinach the next day. The first reported illness associated with the outbreak began August 5, and the most recently reported case had onset of illness September 5. So far, no cases have been identified in Missouri. States that have reported cases are WI (29), UT (11), NY (7), OH (7), MI (6), NM (5), OR (5), IN (4), ID (3), KY (3), PA (3), CT (2), ME (2), CA (1), MN (1), NV (1), TN (1), VA (1), WA (1), and WY (1).

Health officials are working to identify all outbreak cases, and to determine the exact type(s) and brand(s) of spinach they consumed. CDC is coordinating the multi-state aspects of the investigation. FDA and the industry are collaborating with state health officials and CDC to quickly gather information and take actions to protect the public.

At this time, Natural Selection Foods, LLC, of San Juan Bautista, California, is recalling all of its products that contain spinach in all the brands they pack with "Best if Used by Dates" of August 17, 2006 through October 1, 2006. Natural Selection Foods, LLC brands include: Natural Selection Foods, Pride of San Juan, Earthbound Farm, Bellissima, Dole, Rave Spinach, Emeril, Sysco, O Organic, Fresh Point, River Ranch, Superior, Nature's Basket, Pro-Mark, Compliments, Trader Joe's, Ready Pac, Jansal Valley, Cheney Brothers, Coastline, D'Arrigo Brothers, Green Harvest, Mann, Mills Family Farm, Pro*Act, Premium Fresh, Snoboy, The Farmer's Market, Tanimura & Antle, President's Choice, Cross Valley, and Riverside Farms. These products include spinach and any salad with spinach in a blend, both retail and food service products. Products that do not contain spinach are not part of this recall. FDA continues to investigate whether other companies and brands are involved.

Fresh vegetables, including green leafy ones like spinach, are an important part of a healthy diet. The produce industry takes many precautions to ensure their products are safe for consumers; however, fresh produce can be contaminated in the field or during processing. If it can be determined where and how the contamination occurred, additional measures can be designed to prevent future illnesses.

E. coli O157:H7 infection 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.

For the most current information, visit: http://www.fda.gov/ and http://www.cdc.gov/.

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