Spinach recall expands

http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/food/story/7857005/

Spinach recall expands


Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services expanded a recall of bagged spinach Friday after the presence of bacteria was detected in product samples.

Spinach sold under the brands of Krisp-Pak, Lancaster Fresh, Giant and America’s Choice should be discarded if the label says "Best Enjoyed By 19 Jun 10 through 27 Jun 10," authorities said.

Earlier in the week, the state issued a recall for 10-ounce packages of Krisp-Pak Ready to Eat Hydro-Cooled Fresh Spinach with the code: “Best Enjoyed By: 23 Jun 10, Product of USA, 10/158/09:17/1/05.”

State inspectors collected the product from a Farm Fresh store in Elizabeth City. No illnesses associated with this product have been reported.

The recall extends to products sold in North Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

“Consumers who have this product should throw the contents of the bag away and contact the Lancaster Foods at 1-800-247-8125 for additional information,” Dan Ragan, director of the Agriculture Department's Food and Drug Protection Division, said in a statement. “Listeria is particularly dangerous to persons with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.”

Healthy individuals might suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.