Urgent recall of 40 types of bagged spinach due to traces of deadly listeria

Health officials warned against more than 40 types of bagged spinach after some were found to contain the deadly bacteria listeria. 

New York-based Solata Foods LLC has recalled seven brands of its nine-ounce 'Fresh Spinach' bags because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeria. 

The brands listed were Solata, Gaia, Full Circle, Farmer Direct, Uncle Vinny's, Bogopa, and Bulk. The chart below shows all affected products. 

The products were distributed to local stores in the Newburgh, New York, area, according to the FDA, though the agency did not specify which ones. Many are also distributed through online supermarkets like Instacart.

All packages have lot numbers #40606 and 11006 on the package and with an expiration date of 6/20/24 and 6/24/24.

No illnesses have been reported. 

The contamination was discovered after sampling from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors and an analysis revealed Listeria monocytogenes in a nine-ounce pouch of Bogopa 'Fresh Spinach.' 

Listeria, also called Listeriosis, is a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 

It can be found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation and animals, and can survive refrigeration and other food preservation measures. 

Many foods can harbor the bug, but it is usually found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as prepacked sandwiches. 

Cooked shellfish, cured meats and fish including sushi and pre-cut fruit are also a risk.

Most people who eat food contaminated with Listeria will not fall seriously ill. But in some cases, it can cause confusion and seizures, miscarriage in pregnant women, and even death.

This can happen when the infection spreads beyond the gut and can affect the central nervous system, which can lead to numbness and seizures. 

The CDC estimates that 1,600 Americans become infected with listeria every year, and about 260 die.  

Production of the contaminated product has been suspended, and customers who have purchased any of the affected products have been urged to return them to the store they were purchased from for a full refund.