Supermarket giant Coles became the most recent retailer to pull more than a dozen products from their shelves across much of Australia over bacterial contamination concerns.
Coles recalled spinach products sold between 20 March and 29 March — with use by dates up to and including 9 April — due to a potential microbial (STEC) contamination.
STEC is a strain of E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria, and food products contaminated with STEC can cause gastroenteritis, or "gastro", resulting in serious illness.
The pre-packed spinach was included in 17 items sold across Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, NSW and the ACT, as well as some products in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
"Customers should not eat these products," Coles said in a statement.
"Any customers concerned about their health should seek medical advice."
Woolworths, Aldi and Metcash Australia, which runs IGA and Drakes supermarkets, have also issued recalls in recent days.
What are the affected products?
The recalled products by the supermarkets include pre-packaged spinach, stir fry and salad mixes, as well as ready-to-eat bowls and snacks.
The products recalled by Coles are:
- Coles Spinach 60g, 120g, 280g, 400g
- Coles Family Mix Stir Fry 400g
- Coles Spinach and Kale 300g
- Coles Spinach and Rocket 60g, 120g
- Coles Beetslaw 320g
- Coles 4 Leaf Blend 200g
- Coles 4 Leaf Mix 120g
- Coles Kitchen Pesto Risoni 190g
- Coles Kitchen Egg and Spinach 100g
- Coles Baby Leaf & Beet Blend 150g
- Coles Baby Leaf Blend 300g
- Coles Mixed Leaf Garden Salad 180g
- Coles Mediterranean Style Bowl 185g
- Coles Beetslaw Bowl 180g
- Coles Sweet Potato Superfood Bowl 180g
- Coles Roasted Pumpkin, Feta and Walnut Salad 265g
- Coles Kitchen Green Goddess Salad 300g
Coles said customers can return the products for a full refund.
"We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience," the retailer said.
The products recalled by IGA and independent grocers (Metcash Trading Limited Australasia) are:
- Community Co Aussie Salad Mix 110g
- Community Co Fine Cut Stir Fry 335
- Community Co Baby Leaf Salad Mix 260g
- Community Co Leaf Mix 160g
- Community Co Baby Spinach 100gCommunity Co Baby Spinach 260g
- Community Co Baby Spinach and Rocket 100g
- Community Co Garden Salad Bowl 180g
The prdoucts recalled by Woolworths include:
- Woolworths Mixed Leaf 120g (use by date 26 March)
- Woolworths Cook Stir Fry Kit with Teriyaki Sauce 400g (use by date 26 March and 27 March)
- Woolworths Cook Stir Fry Mix Rainbow Vegetables 400g (use by date 26 March and 27 March)
- Woolworths Kale & Spinach 300g (use by date 26 March)
- Woolworths Spinach and Rocket 120g (use by date 26 March)
- Woolworths Spinach and Rocket 60g (use by date 26 March)
- Woolworths Spinach 60g (use by date 26 March and 27 March)
- Woolworths Honey Mustard Salad Kit 285g (use by date 26 March and 27 March)
- Woolworths Spinach 280g (use by date 30 March and 31 March)
