Posted on 09/14/2006 7:53:13 PM PDT by Shermy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P06-131 September 14, 2006
Media Inquiries: 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Warning on Serious Foodborne E.coli O157:H7 Outbreak One Death and Multiple Hospitalizations in Several States
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers about an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of produce. To date, preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that bagged fresh spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.
Based on the current information, FDA advises that consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.
“Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed. We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem,” said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.
FDA will keep consumers informed of the investigation as more information becomes available.
To date, preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that bagged fresh spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.
Cook it.
.
Sauteed in olive oil with some garlic, lemon zest!
...and serve with grits? LOL
Imported or domestic spinach?
Yet another reason to just stick with my hot dog diet.
"I didn't claw my way to the top of the food chain to eat beans, bushes, and berries!"
--Thomas Eleri
HOT DOGS!!!??? Have you ever seen what they put in those things? I'll stick to my chorizo.
Unknown. They're recalling brands.
Was this more than one brand? Seems it must have been.
Yum! Sounds like a great way to conceal the fecal material on the leaves that is likely causing the outbreak.
Good thing I'm from Alabama, we don't eat greens unless they're collards cooked with ham hock and served with a bottle of pepper sauce that's on the table.
Thanks for posting. BTTT!
Now you mean we can't even eat spinach anymore???
Aint that the shits.
Chorizo? Do you know what is in that?! I'll stick to my Spam.
They're just spreading the diseases that Americans are unwilling to spread!
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