Major supermarkets Aldi, Woolworths and IGA urgently recall popular product over potentially fatal bacteria

Major supermarkets are urgently recalling a popular product after the presence of a bacteria which can cause kidney failure, bleeding and anaemia was detected.

Baby spinach products sold at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and Metcash’s IGA and Drake stores in Queensland, NSW, ACT have been pulled from shelves after an alert by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand for the potentially fatal Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC).

Customers have been warned not to eat the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

“Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” FZANZ advised.

Escherichia coli are bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract but some types can produce toxins called Shiga toxins.

A Shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC) infection can cause diarrhoea and sometimes result in Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome, NSW Health advises.

HUS is a severe condition that leads to kidney failure, bleeding and anaemia and can sometimes be fatal.

The recall affects various spinach products across several states and the ACT.

Woolworths

• Mixed Leaf 120g - Use By: March 26
• Cook Stir Fry Kit with Teriyaki Sauce 400 g- Use By: March 26 and March 27
• Cook Stir Fry Mix Rainbow Vegetables 400g - Use By: March 26 and March 27
• Kale & Spinach 300g- Use By: March 26
• Spinach and Rocket 120g- Use By: March 26
• Spinach and Rocket 60g- Use By: March 26
• Spinach 60g- Use By: March 26 and March 27
• Honey Mustard Salad Kit 285g – Use By: March 26 and March 27
• Spinach 280g – Use By: March 30 and March 31

The products have been available for sale online (QLD and Northern NSW) and in store at Woolworths Supermarkets and Woolworths Metro in QLD and Northern NSW (Tweed City, Tweed Heads, Ballina Fair, Ballina River Street, Byron Bay, Cabarita, Casino, Goonellabah, Kingscliff, Lennox Head, Lismore Central, Lismore Square, Mullumbimby).

Coles

• Spinach 60g - Use by March 27 and March 28
• Spinach 280g - Use by March 27 and March 28
• Family Mix Stir Fry 400g - Use by March 27
• Spinach and Kale 300g - Use by March 27
• Spinach and Rocket 120g - Use by March 28
• Beetslaw 320g - Use by March 27

The products have been available for sale in Coles Supermarkets and Coles Local stores and through Coles Online in Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

Aldi

The recall affects various baby spinach products from Fresh Salad Co

• Baby Spinach, 120g - Use by 28 March, 29 March
• Baby Spinach, 280g – Use by 28 March, 30 March, 31 March
• Fresh & Fast Stir Fry - Use By 27 March
• Baby Spinach & Rocket – Use by 27 March
• Salad Leaf Mix, 120g – Use by 29 March
• Salad Leaf Mix, 300g – Use by 27 March

The recalled products have been available for sale in ALDI Stores in QLD and some stores in Northern NSW (Tweed Heads South, Ballina, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Casino, Toormina, Armidale, Byron Bay, Goonellabah, Tweed Mall, Moonee Beach).

Metcash

The recall affects various baby spinach products from Community Co

• Aussie Salad Mix 110g- Use by: March 27
• Fine Cut Stir Fry 335g – Use by: March 27 and March 28
• Baby Leaf Salad Mix 260g- Use by: March 27
• Leaf Mix 160g- Use by: March 27
• Baby Spinach 100g- Use by: March 27 and March 28
• Baby Spinach 260g- Use by: March 27 and March 28
• Baby Spinach and Rocket 100g- Use by: March 27

The products have been available for sale in independent retailers, including IGA in ACT, NSW and QLD. The products have also been available for sale at Drakes stores in QLD.

For further information contact:

Woolworths - 1800 103 515 or customerservice@woolworths.com.au

Coles Customer Care - 1800 061 562

ALDI Food Recall Hotline - 1800 709 993

Metcash Trading Limited Australasia - 1300 366 004 or consumersupport@metcashfg.com