FDA In Brief: FDA Announces Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Spinach

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following quote is attributed to Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response:

"The FDA, along with the CDC and our state and local partners, is working to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak associated with spinach consumption.

"Thus far, the FDA has traced supply chains for this product back to a small number of farms in two different geographic regions and is deploying investigators along the supply chains of interest.

"We are issuing this update early in our investigation as part of our continued commitment to transparency and early communication. As we continue working with our partners to determine if additional products could be affected, we're committed to providing updates as we learn more during our continuing traceback investigation, especially if there are any updates to this critical public health advice."

Additional Information:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of E.coli O157:H7 infections associated with spinach consumption.
• According to the CDC, as of Nov. 15, 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from seven states including: IA, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, SD. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Oct. 15 to Oct. 27. Five people in this outbreak reported eating spinach in the week before becoming sick and one person reported eating Josie's Organics brand.
• On Nov. 15, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported that as part of this outbreak investigation, a sample of Josie's Organics Baby Spinach was collected from the home of an ill person and the sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. This sample had a "Best If Used By" date of Oct. 23 and is undergoing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis to determine if the strain of E. coli O157:H7 present in the product sample matches the outbreak strain.
• Consumers, restaurants, and retailers, should not eat, sell, or serve Josie's Organics Baby Spinach with a "Best If Used By" date of Oct. 23, 2021. Josie's Organics Baby Spinach is sold in a clear plastic clamshell with the "Best If Used By" date on the top label.
• Although this product is past expiration and should no longer be available for purchase, consumers should check their homes for product and discard it. If consumers froze fresh Josie's Organics Baby Spinach, they should discard it.
• As WGS analysis of the sample is underway, the FDA is tracing back the supply of the baby spinach in the positive product sample. Thus far, the FDA has traced supply chains for this product back to a small number of farms in two different geographic regions and is deploying investigators along the supply chains of interest.
• Consumers who have symptoms of E.coli infection should contact their health care provider. Most people with E.coli develop severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.
• The FDA and state partners are working with the firm to determine if additional products could be affected. This is an ongoing investigation and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Additional Resources:

• FDA Investigation
• E. coli Outbreak Linked to Baby Spinach | CDC
• FDA Escherichia-coli (E.coli) Information
• Food Safety Tips for Retailers and Consumers During an Outbreak
• Food Safety Resources for Produce Shippers and Carriers During a Foodborne Illness Outbreak
• Who to Contact

Media Contact: Veronika Pfaeffle, 301-310-2576
Consumer Inquiries: 888-723-3366

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration