Tasmanian shoppers are being urged to check their fridges, with a wide range of pre-packaged spinach and salad products recalled due to potential E. coli contamination.
Coles and Metcash Trading Limited Australasia have issued urgent recalls for a number of items with use-by dates up to April 9, after shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) was detected.
The affected products were sold at Coles supermarkets, Coles Online, IGA and independent retailers across Tasmania.
Public Health Specialist Medical Advisor Dr Shannon Melody confirmed on Sunday that the contamination was picked up during routine checks.
“STEC was detected in two pre-packaged, ready-to-eat spinach products purchased from separate Queensland supermarkets during proactive public health surveillance,” Melody said.
“As a precaution, retailers have extended the recalls while further investigations are conducted into the source of contamination.”
More than 15 Coles-branded products are included in the recall, covering various spinach packs, salad mixes and prepared meals containing spinach.
Seven Community Co products sold through IGA and independent grocers are also affected.
“No illnesses have been linked to the recalled products, however these recalls are a proactive measure to protect consumers,” Dr Melody added.
“Food products contaminated with STEC may cause illness if consumed. It can cause gastroenteritis or ‘gastro’, resulting in serious illness in about 10% of cases, especially very young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.”
Consumers are advised not to eat any of the recalled products and to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The recalled products include:
- 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
- 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 100g
- Community Co Baby Spinach 260g
- Community Co Baby Spinach and Rocket 100g
- Community Co Garden Salad Bowl 180g
