Coles has joined Woolworths, Costco, Aldi, and Riviera Farms in voluntarily recalling potentially tainted spinach items.
The supermarket giant has recalled various own-brand spinach items with use-by dates between December 17 and December 22 from stores in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania, following similar recalls announced on Friday.
Aldi has also recalled from Victorian stores 450 gram packs of The Fresh Salad co-branded Fresh & Fast Stir Fry with expiration dates up to and including December 24.
Health NSW stated that it was collaborating with other governments to investigate the matter.
By Saturday evening, 88 people in New South Wales had reported symptoms after consuming baby spinach, with at least 33 seeking medical attention.
In Victoria, eight people have become ill after consuming contaminated spinach.
Now that a dangerous batch of spinach has been found in Coles, Woolworths, Costco, and Aldi goods, nearly 100 people have reported feeling symptoms after consuming the salad staple.
Coles has joined Woolworths, Costco, Aldi, and Riviera Farms in the recall of potentially contaminated spinach items.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) said in a statement on Saturday that it was working with relevant jurisdictions along the supply chain to identify any more contaminated items.
It stated, “Consumers should not consume the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.”
Consumers who are concerned about their health should consult a physician and their local state health authority.
The peak vegetable industry association AUSVEG urged customers to comply to the recalls, but not to shun all spinach products.
Authorities think that baby spinach produced by Riviera Farms may have been accidently tainted. Bags of spinach supplied through the Costco grocery chain have been recalled.
SPINACH SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Delirium or bewilderment
Hallucinations
Expanded pupils
Quick heartbeat
flushed skin
impaired vision
chapped lips and skin
Fever
Chief Executive Michael Coote stated in a statement, “The health and safety of our consumers is our first priority, so we urge people to follow the recall letters and seek medical assistance if they have any health concerns.”
All other spinach and leafy salad items currently available for purchase in Australia are unaffected by the recall and can be purchased with confidence.
On Friday, Woolworths recalled Chicken Cobb Salad with a use-by date of December 20 and Chickpea Falafel with use-by dates of December 20 and 22 from stores in Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
Woolworths has started a recall due to the probable presence of dangerous plant material, the business said in a statement released on Friday evening.
Consuming food products containing hazardous plant material may result in disease.
Customers may return the goods for a refund, and those who are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
Earlier on Friday, a recall notice was issued for packaged baby spinach after dozens of consumers reported experiencing alarming symptoms after consuming the tainted product.
Authorities think that the product, baby spinach from Riviera Farms, may have been accidently tainted, leading to possible harmful responses including hallucinations and delirium.
Woolworths has recalled two salads containing potentially tainted spinach after receiving reports of possible adverse reactions.
Riviera Farms stated that it had notified all of its twenty clients of the recall.
A Riviera spokeswoman issued the following statement: “We have been proactive and upfront with our customers and regulators.”
Riviera Farms stated that Costco is its sole direct major retail customer.
The nationwide recall involves bags of spinach supplied by Costco in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory between December 16 and December 28.
Customers who are concerned about their exposure to spinach can contact the Poisons Information Centre, while anyone experiencing unusual or severe symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately.
RECALLED SPINACH PRODUCTS
COLES
60g of Coles Baby Spinach
120g of Coles Lettuce Spinach
280 grams of Coles Salad Family Baby Spinach
Coles Chef Blend Tender Leaf Blend 150g
300 grams of Coles Australian Salad Family Baby Leaf Blend
Coles Kitchen Green Goddess Salad 300g
265 grams of Coles Kitchen Roast Pumpkin Fetta and Walnut Salad
Coles Kitchen Chicken BLT Salad Bowl 240g
280 grams of Coles Kitchen Smoky Mexican Salad
Coles Kitchen Salads Green Goddess Salad 250g
Coles Kitchens Egg And Spinach Pots 100G
WOOLWORTHS
20 December expiration date for Woolworths Chicken Cobb Salad 270g.
290g Chickpea Falafel from Woolworths with use-by dates of December 20 and December 22.
ALDI
450 gram packets of The Fresh Salad co-branded Fresh & Fast Stir Fry with use-by dates up to and including December 24 from Victorian stores
COSTCO
Bags of spinach sold in NSW, Victoria, and the ACT with use-by dates between December 16 and December 28 have been recalled.