Kroger Recalls Spinach in 15 States

Sept. 20, 2012 -- Kroger stores are recalling listeria-tainted spinach sold in 15 states.

The recalled product is Kroger Fresh Selections Tender Spinach 10-ounce packages with the UPC code 0001111091649 and a best-by date of Sept. 16.

The product was sold in Kroger stores in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, central and eastern Tennessee, and Michigan.

It also was sold in Kroger, Jay C, Owen's, Pay Less, Scott's, and Food 4 Less stores in Indiana, Illinois, and eastern Missouri, and in Dillons, Baker's, and Gerbes stores in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Kroger stores have removed the product from their shelves. Kroger urges customers to check their refrigerators for the product, as it may be contaminated with dangerous listeria bacteria. It should be thrown out. Not sure if you have the recalled product? The CDC says, “When in doubt, toss it out.”

Symptoms of Listeria Food Poisoning

Most people who eat listeria-contaminated foods get only mild gastrointestinal symptoms. However, listeria sometimes escapes from the gut into the blood, causing listeriosis.

People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, cancer patients, people taking immunity-suppressing drugs, and pregnant women -- are particularly vulnerable to listeriosis.

• Listeriosis usually begins with diarrhea or other intestinal symptoms. Patients soon develop fever and muscle aches. What happens next depends on a person's risk factors:
• Although pregnant women usually get a mild flu-like illness, listeria infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or fatal infection of the newborn.
• Other adults may develop headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Cooking kills listeria bacteria, but they can grow and multiply in the refrigerator.