Dole Recalls Bagged Spinach Over Salmonella Risk
While no illnesses have been reported in association with the recalled spinach, Dole is warning people who bought the product to throw it out. (Photo: iStock)
If you’ve got a bag of Dole spinach sitting in your fridge, check the “Enjoy by” date — it may be affected by a new recall.
Dole is warning that certain bags of spinach may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. The recalled bags have the codes A27409B & A27409A, an “Enjoy By” date of Oct. 15, and UPC 7143000976.
No illnesses have been linked with consuming the recalled bags of spinach, but Dole notes that a random sample test of the product yielded a positive result for Salmonella. The recall only affects bags of spinach, not baby spinach or other salads.
The recall affects spinach sold in 13 states: Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. If you purchased spinach affected by the recall, throw it away. You can also call Dole with any questions at 800-356-3111.
Related: Aspen Foods Recalls 561,000 Pounds of Chicken Over Salmonella Fears
Infection with salmonella usually results in onset of symptoms within eight to 72 hours, and includes diarrhea, fever, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and chills. Symptoms usually last four to seven days. While most people get over salmonella infection on their own with no problems, it can be life-threatening or particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems.
Spinach is a popular culprit in food poisoning outbreaks. Nearly 200 were sickened in 26 states back in 2006 and 33 people were infected in five states in 2012 due to E. coli in spinach.
Unfortunately, washing bagged spinach (even if the label says it’s been pre-washed) won’t actually do anything with regard to removing bacteria — it only removes dirt or other physical objects from the leaves, Benjamin Chapman, PhD, an assistant professor and food safety extension specialist at North Carolina State University, previously told Yahoo Health.
Read This Next: How Clean Is Your Pre-Washed Spinach? Probably Not As Clean As You’d Like
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