The number of people needing emergency department treatment after eating contaminated spinach is rising as more states and territories across the country report cases of people suffering “toxic reactions”.
As of Sunday night, at least 20 people in Victoria had to go to emergency services after consuming a batch of baby spinach that was found to be contaminated with “unsafe plant material”.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: More than 120 people have been sickened after eating spinach traced back to a farm.
For more food-related news and videos, check out Food >>
The state health department is working with Agriculture Victoria to investigate the issue.
Cases have also continued to rise in NSW since the recall was first announced last Thursday.
If you want to see this content, please adjust your cookie settings.
For more information on how we use cookies, see our Cookies Guide.
NSW Health was initially told of nine people from four different households in Sydney requiring medical attention after being poisoned by eating the product.
As of Saturday, 88 people in the state have reported symptoms after consuming the tainted spinach, and at least 33 of those people have had to seek medical attention.
Queensland Health has reported 26 calls so far, which were made to the state’s poison information hotline. Among those affected was a child who had to be hospitalized. They have since been discharged.
ACT Health said it was investigating “several” possible cases of poisoning.
No cases have been reported in either Tasmania or South Australia.
It is unclear whether Western Australia or the Northern Territory have reported cases.
In total, at least 130 people have been affected by contaminated spinach sold at four major supermarket chains: ALDI, Coles, Woolworths and Costco.
Riviera Farms baby spinach sold at Costco was the first product to be recalled.
Affected Riviera Farms products. Credit: Food safety standards
The company confirmed in a statement that the spinach, grown on a farm in Victoria and shipped to stores in NSW, appeared to be contaminated with a weed that “may have health consequences if consumed”.
He said he had sent spinach samples to labs for testing.
“Riviera Farms notified the authorities immediately after being alerted by one of our retailers and we will continue to work closely with health and food regulators as investigations continue,” he said.
Coles, ALDI and Woolworths quickly followed suit, recalling several of their products linked to toxic spinach.
Fresh stir-fry mix containing spinach sold at ALDI supermarkets in Victoria was recalled on Saturday over fears it could cause illness.
Food Standards Australia issued a recall notice for Fresh Salad Co’s Fresh and Fast Stir Fry Mix 450g, with an expiry date of 24 December. The affected products have been available for purchase since December 8.
Coles recalled eleven of its products “as a precaution” with expiry dates between December 17 and 23.
The products were sold in Coles Supermarkets, Coles Local, Coles Express and through Coles Online in NSW, Victoria, ACT, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia.
Coles is recalling 11 of its Coles Own brand products containing spinach over illness fears. Credit: Gabrielle Weidner/Supplied
Woolworths has also recalled its Woolworths Chicken Cobb Salad 270g with an expiry date of 20 December and Woolworths Chickpea Falafel Salad 290g with expiry dates of 20 December and 22 December.
These products were sold in Woolworths and Woolworths Metro stores in NSW, ACT, QLD and VIC.
Both products were recalled over fears they may have been contaminated with “unsafe plant material”.
Symptoms reported after eating spinach can be severe and include:
- Delirium or confusion
- hallucinations
- Dilated pupils
- Fast heartbeat
- curled up face
- blurred vision
- Dry mouth and skin
- fever
Health authorities have advised consumers not to consume any of the affected products and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
NSW Poisons Information Center medical director Dr Darren Roberts said children who eat the affected spinach may be prone to more serious reactions.
“We know that children are more prone to some toxic effects just because they are smaller,” he told Sunrise on Monday morning.
“If they eat the same amount as an adult, they are likely to get sick.”
If you want to see this content, please adjust your cookie settings.
For more information on how we use cookies, see our Cookies Guide.
He said the tainted spinach is believed to have come from only one large grower.
“There are a lot of spinach growers that are not affected,” he said.
“I think at the moment, although we have a situation where we’re not entirely sure how widespread this problem is.
“I feel very strongly, however, that food safety standards are working very hard to sort out whether these are the problematic products.”
Those who experience unusual or severe symptoms should report to the nearest emergency department. For more information call the Poisons Information Center on 13 11 26.
Full list of recalled products:
- Costco Riviera Farms Baby Spinach 350gr
- Costco Riviera Farms Baby Spinach 1kg
- ALDI Fresh Salad Co, fresh and fast fried
- Woolworths Chicken Cobb Salad
- Woolworths Chickpea Falafel Salad
- Coles Baby Spinach 60gr
- Cabbage Lettuce Spinach 120gr
- Coles Family Baby Spinach Salad 280gr
- Coles Chef Blend Tender Leaf Blend 150 g
- Coles Australian Salad Family Baby Leaf Blend 300 g
- Coles Kitchen Green Goddess Salad 300gr
- Coles Kitchen Roasted pumpkin and walnut fetta salad 265 g
- Coles Kitchen Chicken BLT Salad 240gr
- Coles Kitchen Smoked Mexican salad 280gr
- Coles Kitchen Salads Green Goddess Salad 250gr
- Coles Kitchens Pots of eggs and spinach 100gr
Mum forced to apologize after details of Christmas photo spark online outrage
Extended Christmas shopping hours at Melbourne shopping centers have been revealed
If you want to see this content, please adjust your cookie settings.
For more information on how we use cookies, see our Cookies Guide.