Recall extended to spinach contamination caused by leafy green 'weed' at Victorian farmhouse

A child admitted to hospital is among more than 120 people believed to have suffered symptoms after consuming spinach as part of a widespread recall of fresh foods contaminated with bad grass.

Authorities say the recalled spinach products, believed to have come from a farm in Victoria, have caused delusions and hallucinations.

People are urged to check and discard all recalled products that were sold at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and Costco. Food Standards Australia New Zealand is coordinating the product recall.

So far nearly 90 people in New South Wales have reported symptoms after consuming baby spinach, and at least 33 people consulted a doctor.

A child who was admitted to hospital in Queensland on Saturday night before being discharged on Sunday was one of 26 possible cases in the state so far.

At least 11 Victorians have gone to the emergency room after consuming baby spinach.

Products recalled to date include:

Riviera Fresh - Riviera Farms Baby Spinach

Fresh Salad Co – Fresh and quick stir-fry

Woolworths – Chicken Cobb Salad and Chickpea Falafel Salad

​Coles – Spinach, Chef Blend Tender Leaf, Baby Leaf Blend, Kitchen Green Goddess Salad, Kitchen Chicken BLT Salad Bowl, Kitchen Roast Pumpkin, Fetta & Walnut Salad, Kitchen Smokey Mexican Salad, Kitchen Egg and Spinach Pots

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Symptoms can be severe and include delirium or confusion, hallucinations, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, flushing of the face, blurred vision, dry mouth and skin, and fever.

The Victorian grower at the center of the recall, Riviera Farms, said tests were being carried out on weed plants "which may have health consequences if eaten".

"As soon as we were made aware of the possible weed contamination from one of our customers, we immediately advised them to remove our contaminated spinach from their shelves and have contacted state health authorities and federal food authorities," a spokesperson said.

"Riviera Farms has been serving the Australian community for five generations, and our staff will work with regulators to identify what happened, who was affected and how we can make sure nothing like this weed contamination can happen again."

The grower said that he had contacted his 20 spinach tomers and the farm was working with regulators.

Michael Coote, chief executive of vegetable industry body Ausveg, said the herb that ended up in spinach products was a "leafy" green plant.

"This is another piece of plant material from a weed that was found at this particular farm that crossed the harvesting and packaging process and then into the products," he said. "It's not the spinach itself that's causing these health issues."

NSW Health said people should check all products and get rid of those listed in the recall.

"The recalled products are not safe to consume and persons who purchased these recalled products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund,” a spokesperson said.