Toxic spinach recalled, pulled from supermarket shelves in Coles, Woolworths, Costco and Aldi

Coles has joined Woolworths, CostCo, Aldi and Riviera Farms to recall spinach products that may be contaminated with unsafe plant material.

The supermarket giant has recalled several own-brand spinach products with use-by dates between December 17 and 22 from stores in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, NT, ACT and Tasmania, after similar recalls were issued on Friday.

Aldi has also recalled co-brand The Fresh Salad 450g packs of Fresh & Fast Stir Fry from Victorian stores with use-by dates up to and including December 24.

NSW Health said it was working with other jurisdictions to investigate the issue.

As of Saturday night, 88 people in NSW had reported symptoms after eating baby spinach, at least 33 of whom had sought medical attention.

Eight people have fallen ill after eating the contaminated spinach in Victoria.

A toxic batch of spinach has now been identified in products from Coles, Woolworths, Costco and Aldi, as nearly 100 people experienced symptoms after ingesting the staple lettuce

Coles has joined Woolworths, CostCo, Aldi and Riviera Farms to recall spinach products that may be contaminated with unsafe plant material

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) said in a statement on Saturday it was working through the supply chain with relevant jurisdictions to ensure all other affected products are identified.

“Consumers should not eat the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund,” it said.

“Any consumers who are concerned about their health should seek medical advice and contact their local state health department.”

The umbrella organization of the vegetable industry AUSVEG appealed to consumers to adhere to the recall campaigns, but not to avoid spinach products entirely.

Authorities believe Riviera Farms-branded baby spinach may have been accidentally contaminated. Bags of spinach sold at supermarket chain Costco have been recalled

“The health and safety of our consumers is a top priority for our industry, so we urge consumers to heed the advice in the recall notices and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your health,” Chief Executive Michael Coote said in a statement .

“Australian consumers can rest assured that all other spinach and lettuce products currently on retail shelves are unaffected by the recall.”

On Friday, Woolworths recalled its Chicken Cobb Salad product with an expiration date of December 20 and Woolworths Chickpea Falafel with an expiration date of December 20 and 22 from stores in Victoria, NSW, ACT and Tasmania.

“Woolworths has initiated a recall due to possible contamination with unsafe plant material,” the company said in a statement Friday night.

“Foods containing unsafe plant material can cause disease if eaten.”

Customers can return the product for a refund, and any customers concerned about their health are advised to seek advice.

An urgent recall for packaged baby spinach was issued earlier Friday after dozens of people reported worrying symptoms from eating the contaminated product.

Authorities believe the product, Riviera Farms brand baby spinach, may have been accidentally contaminated, causing people to experience potentially toxic reactions such as hallucinations and delirium.

Woolworths has recalled two salad products containing the potentially contaminated spinach, as people report they’ve experienced possible toxic reactions

Riviera Farms said it has contacted all of its 20 baby spinach customers to issue the recall.

“We have worked proactively and transparently with our customers and regulators,” a Riviera spokesman said in a statement.

Riviera Farms said its only direct major retail customer is Costco.

The national recall covers bags of spinach sold through Costco in NSW, Victoria and the ACT with best before dates of December 16th through December 28th.

Customers concerned about exposure to spinach should call the poison control center, while anyone experiencing unusual and severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.