2012 E. coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Spinach and Spring Mix Blend – Recall and Advice
Multistate Outbreak of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Organic Spinach and Spring Mix Blend (Final Update)
Posted December 10, 2012 4:30 PM ET
This particular outbreak appears to be over. However, E. coli is still an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about E. coli, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC E. coli Web Page.
Recall
On November 2, 2012, Wegmans recalled 5-ounce and 11-ounce packages of Organic Spinach and Spring Mix blend, produced by State Garden, because they may be contaminated with STEC O157:H7. The recalled products were sold between October 14, 2012 and November 1, 2012. The products were withdrawn from the market, and shoppers were notified.
Wegmans notified State Garden of Chelsea, Massachusetts, the producer of the Organic Spinach and Spring Mix blend product, and State Garden issued a consumer advisory regarding the product produced on October 12 and 13, 2012.
Advice to Consumers, Retailers, and Others
The shelf-life has passed for the recalled Organic Spinach and Spring Mix blend and is no longer in stores or consumers’ homes.
General recommendations for protecting against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections are provided below.
- WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing or eating food
- WASH YOUR HANDS after contact with animals or their environments (at farms, petting zoos, fairs, even your own backyard).
- COOK meats thoroughly. Ground beef and meat that has been needle-tenderized should be cooked to a temperature of at least 160°F/70˚C. It’s best to use a thermometer, as color is not a very reliable indicator of “doneness.”
- AVOID raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, and unpasteurized juices (like fresh apple cider).
- AVOID swallowing water when swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, streams, swimming pools, and backyard “kiddie” pools.
- PREVENT cross contamination in food preparation areas by thoroughly washing hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat.
More information about how to protect yourself and your family from E. coli is available on the CDC E. coli homepage.
