E-coli On Raw Bagged Spinach

[GFBetsy]

Hey -

Heard on the news that there have been about 50 cases of E-Coli in the US traced back (apparently) to raw, bagged spinach. They aren't sure which brand yet, or even if the contamination is still going on, but they decided to release the information just in case. ("They" being the CDC, I think.)

Anyway, just a heads-up. The said on the news that it should be okay to eat it cooked, just not raw (for salads, etc.)

[Guest ~jules~]

Hey -

Heard on the news that there have been about 50 cases of E-Coli in the US traced back (apparently) to raw, bagged spinach. They aren't sure which brand yet, or even if the contamination is still going on, but they decided to release the information just in case. ("They" being the CDC, I think.)

Anyway, just a heads-up. The said on the news that it should be okay to eat it cooked, just not raw (for salads, etc.)

Ya I saw that on my local news tonight around 5 p.m. I guess someone from Oregon passed away because of it, so everyone watch the spinach.....

[AndreaB]

I've had raw spinach this week. I believe it's organic, but it is bagged.

[bluejeangirl]

A person died from Wisconsin and they are telling us to throw all bagged spinach out. I eat spinach every week but get the stuff in the plastic containers. I'm not sure if its any safer. There's no way I can handle having e-coli in my gut. I'm to immune deficient. I'm wondering if frozen spinach is safer? Any comments?

Gail

[VydorScope]

Heres a ton of news on it....

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[jenvan]

Yeah, I've been eating it all week and am finishing the bag off today !

[cgilsing]

Whoa! Thanks for the info! I was going to make a spinach quiche tonight! I'll make sure the spinach is well done!

[tiredofdoctors]

Our local news just said that there are several people here who are very sick from the spinach . . . . .

[skinnyminny]

I ate spinach yesterday...bagged dole spinach that is I am scared now how long will it take to know if I have it?

[skinnyminny]

I am a hypocandriac or however you spell that but I have been eating spinach 3 days this week and my tummy is hurting, I hope there is no relation.

[pinkpei77]

hhmmm.. i eat organic local grown spinach here in vermont.

im sure thats safe... what do you guys think?

[AndreaB]

Skinnyminny,

I don't know, I don't know what the symptoms are.

I just threw out our bagged organic spinach. I had eaten a little of one bag a couple days ago. I figured organic would probably be safe but we didn't want to take any chances. I also threw out the stuff that was in the bin with the spinach and washed the bin with hot sudsy water.

[jerseyangel]

On my local news, just a couple minutes ago, they said that even if the affected spinach was re-washed, it probably wouldn't have done any good because it (e-coli) was embedded in the leaves.

I'm thinking about the fact that I eat bagged salad almost every day. I don't wash it--but even if I did, maybe it wouldn't do any good.

I may go back to buying the whole heads of lettuces and wash them myself.

Does anyone have any thoughts about the safety of the bagged greens, in general? The bagged salads are just so convenient, and dry

[AndreaB]

As far as I know the bagged salads aren't a problem, just the bagged spinach.

[jerseyangel]

As far as I know the bagged salads aren't a problem, just the bagged spinach.

I know they aren't connected to this outbreak--I was kind of thinking out loud

[2kids4me]

Found this bit of info

Enterotoxigenic E.coli bacteria spread in contaminated food — including raw fruits and vegetables, raw seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products — and in contaminated water. Signs and symptoms, which include watery diarrhea and abdominal cramping, usually last just a few days. The infection normally clears on its own without treatment, and most adults and children have no lasting ill effects.

But E. coli O157:H7 is different. It produces a toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to intense abdominal cramps and severe, bloody diarrhea. You may have 10 or more bowel movements a day, some consisting almost entirely of blood. The marked loss of fluids and electrolytes causes dehydration and fatigue.

Nevertheless, many people recover completely from the infection in five to 10 days. But others, especially older adults, children under the age of 5 and people with weakened immune systems, may develop a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This syndrome damages the lining of the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, sometimes leading to kidney failure.

Even with the best of care, including blood and platelet transfusions and kidney dialysis, a few children die every year of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Others may have lifelong kidney problems or require long-term dialysis. Still others develop further complications such as high blood pressure, seizures, blindness and paralysis.

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OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Canadian government joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday in steering people away from fresh bagged spinach from the United States because of possible E. coli contamination.

"We're advising Canadian consumers not to eat bagged fresh spinach from the United States," said Rene Cardinal, spokesman for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

One person died and more than 40 people got sick after eating suspected contaminated fresh bagged spinach in the United States. Cardinal said the spinach should not even be eaten cooked.[

[Kat-Kat]

hhmmm.. i eat organic local grown spinach here in vermont.

im sure thats safe... what do you guys think?

You are more than likely safe . I am from the farm land What I understand is, the big problem comes from the bag they should not put it in those bags that does not make it safe or better for us. Moisture makes a slime if you feel that trash it and wash your hands right then. The same thing goes for bagged salads, not safe you should ask when you go out to eat. This come from my Doctor to.

[bluejeangirl]

Today I was at a large grocery store here in WI. and noticed that all the spinach was gone except the organic in the clear tubs. So just to be sure I asked if these have been safe. He told me the organic is not on the list (the brand they sell is Newmans) of banned spinach. He told me that they knew spinach was causing problems since late august but they weren't told to remove until it hit the news. Sheesh I couldn't believe that.

Gail