04-30-2009
Bags of Fresh Spinach Recalled; Sample Tests Positive for Salmonella
Contact: Jane Larson
608-224-5005
Cell phone: 608-212-3094
PDF image of label
MADISON--Bags of fresh spinach distributed through a Milwaukee-based food processor are being removed from store shelves in Wisconsin after routine food safety tests of Kleen-Pak brand fresh spinach tested positive for Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food-borne illness.
At this time, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with this product but as a precaution, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection advises consumers to discard any 10-ounce bags of Kleen-Pak curly-leaf fresh spinach with the listed 'use by dates' of April 29, April 30 and May 1 (4/29, 4/30 and 5/1) or return the package to the store where purchased. The use by date is found on the back of the package.
Consumers should direct any questions about the curly-leaf spinach to Jerry Kowaleski, Kleen-Pak, (414) 481-4878.
This product contamination is not associated with the ongoing national investigation of Salmonella contamination of peanut butter products, pistachios or alfalfa sprouts.
Kleen-Pak of Milwaukee, Wis. is fully cooperating with the recall and actively working with their distributors to remove the product from store shelves, restaurants and food wholesalers. The 10-ounce bags of fresh spinach were distributed to grocery stores in Wisconsin, mainly in the southern and southeastern part of the state. The spinach was also distributed into Illinois and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is assisting with the recall as another state is involved.
Food product testing is routinely conducted by the state agriculture department.
Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps that occur 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness lasts four to seven days and most recover without additional treatment. However, in severe cases, medical intervention may be required. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are most at risk. Contact your health care provider if you suspect that you may have symptoms.
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