CDC Warns of E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Baby Spinach

TUESDAY, Nov. 16, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Ten people in seven states have been sickened in an Escherichia coli outbreak linked to baby spinach, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

The agency said people should not eat, sell, or serve Josie's Organics prepackaged baby spinach that has a "best by" date of 10/23/2021 and was sold nationwide.

Cases of illness have been reported in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and South Dakota. Two hospitalizations but no deaths have been reported, the CDC said in a statement. The outbreak has likely affected more people and states than the reported number because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli, the agency added.

Consumers with the recalled baby spinach should throw it away and use hot soapy water or a dishwasher to clean items and surfaces that the spinach may have touched.

Symptoms of E. coli infection vary for each person, but can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high. Most people get better within a week or so. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening, according to the CDC.

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