Coles recalls more spinach products as fears of potential contamination widen

Coles has recalled 11 own-brand spinach products as fears of fresh produce contamination in Australia widen.

On Saturday, the supermarket announced it was recalling the products as a precaution because health authorities had indicated that some spinach "could potentially be contaminated with hazardous plant material".

On Friday, Woolworths recalled two salads for the same reason.

Coles said the affected products were on sale in all states and territories other than Western Australia and Tasmania since December 8 and had expiry dates between December 17 and December 23. December. He urged consumers not to eat the spinach as it could cause illness and said they could return it to any Coles store for a full refund.

Aldi has also recalled 450g packets of The Fresh Salad co-branded Fresh & Fast Stir Fry, with best before dates up to and including December 24 in Victorian stores.

NSW Health said it was working with other jurisdictions to investigate.

As of Friday evening, 47 people in New South Wales had reported symptoms after eating baby spinach, at least 17 of which had seen a doctor.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) said on Saturday in a statement that it was working on the supply chain with the relevant jurisdictions to ensure that any other affected products were identified.

"Any consumer concerned about their health should consult a doctor and refer to their local state health authority," he said.

The leading vegetable industry body Ausveg called on consumers to heed recalls, but not avoid other spinach products.

"The health and safety of our consumers comes first absolute standards of our industry, we urge consumers to follow the advice of recall notices and seek medical advice if you have any concerns for your health,” its chief executive, Michael Coote, said in a statement.

< p class="dcr-h26idz"> "Australian consumers can trust all other spinach and sala products. sheets currently available for sale in retail stores, which are not affected by the recall."

The recalled Woolworths products were a chicken cobb salad with a expiry date of December 20 and a Woolworths chickpea falafel with expiry dates of December 20 and 22, which were sold in stores in Victoria, NSW, ACT and Tasmania.

"Woolworths has issued a recall due to potential contamination with hazardous plant material," the company said in a statement. Friday evening.

"Food products containing hazardous plant materials may cause illness if eaten."

Earlier Friday an urgent reminder was issued for babies spinach packaged after dozens of people reported worrying symptoms from eating the tainted product.

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It is not clear if the recalls are related.

Authorities believe the first identified product, brand name baby spinach Riviera Farms, may have been accidentally contaminated, which can lead to toxic reactions, including hallucinations and delirium. by dates from December 16 to December 28 inclusive.

Authorities have warned that the product is not safe to consume and that people who have still stored it at the house should throw it away.

The company said it will continue to work closely with health and food regulators as investigations continue .