http://wusatv9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=52149
E-Coli Outbreak Linked to California Farm
Written By Nancy Yamada
9NEWS NOW
Created:9/15/2006 10:25:04 PM
Last Updated:9/15/2006 11:02:43 PM
An E-coli outbreak that has the FDA advising consumers to avoid bagged, fresh spinach has been traced to Natural Selection Foods, a California company that is now voluntarily recalling it's products containing spinach.
Their products are sold under the brand names Rave Spinach, Natural Selection Foods, Dole, Earthbound Farm, Trader Joe's, Ready Pac and Green Harvest.
Supermarkets across the country began pulling bagged spinach from their shelves after health departments in 20 states including Virginia received reports of illness. (They include California, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there is one lab-confirmed case of e-coli in Virginia but won't reveal where or how the person was infected. The Virginia Health Department is advising residents to take appropriate steps to protect themselves, such as:
Don't eat raw, bagged spinach until the FDA lifts it's warning.
Always wash raw fruits or vegetables under running water before eating.
Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after preparing foods, after using the toilet, handling animals or changing diapers.
Wash cutting boards after meats have been on them and before using the same surface to cut fruits and vegetables, or use separate cutting boards and utensils for means and other foods.
Federal Health officials warn even washing the spinach will not decrease your risk because this strain of e-coli is too tough and too embedded to wash off the leaves. People who get sick from E-coli usually do so within three to four days after eating contaminated foods. When ingested, the bug can cause diarrhea, bloody stools, even kidney failure and death.
Other bagged vegetables, including prepackaged salads are not affected by this e-coli outbreak.
Health officials have identified at least one source.
The FDA says spinach distributed by California-based Natural Selection Foods, was tainted, but other companies may still be affected.
http://www.wkrc.com/News/Local/story.aspx?content_id=5A0BB649-50BA-45F2-A112-DE44A0E94723 Potential Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Identified
LAST UPDATE: 9/15/2006 11:11:30 PM
We have new developments in the E. coli outbreak tied to fresh spinach.
Health officials have identified at least one source.
The FDA says spinach distributed by California-based Natural Selection Foods, was tainted, but other companies may still be affected.
One person has died, and at least 100 others are sick in the outbreak in 19 states including Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
Local 12 Reporter Joelle Girone explains why E. coli infections are not uncommon.
Doctors at Children's Hospital say they see between 10 and 20 cases each year. The culprit is usually undercooked hamburger.
Some types of E. coli don't make you sick, yet others can cause kidney failure. The key is preventing it.
"I started getting really, really bad cramps and they hurt really badly," said Alaina Dressman.
Alaina Dressman, 12, says she's learned E. coli isn't something to take lightly.
"I ate a sandwich with spinach on it."
That sandwich, according to her mother, has flipped their world upside down. For nearly 10 days, the Dressman family has watched this typically active teenager double over with cramps.
"We just kind of watched her," said Donna Dressman, Alaina's mother. "She just got worse and worse. She was in the bathroom every 20 to 40 minutes for two, whole days."
Alaina's family rushed her to Children's Hospital when she started passing blood. They say it was frightening.
"The mom thing kind of kicks in and you say, nope we're going to the ER," said Donna Dressman. "I think that was a good move on our part this time."
As scary as an E. coli infection like this is, doctors say it's not uncommon.
"We've had outbreaks in Cincinnati and throughout the country virtually every summer since this was first described about 25 years ago," said Dr. Mitchell Cohen, Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
Dr. Mitchell Cohen says E. coli contamination wasn't even tracked until 1982, but Cohen says since then, you can count on a number of reported cases each year.
The typical culprits are undercooked meat, juices that are not pasteurized, and of course, fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with fecal matter.
The doctor's advice?
"Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables even if it's been pre-washed in the bag," said Dr. Cohen.
Consumers are tossing the bagged spinach right now. As for Alaina, she just wants a clean bill of health, and to get out of the hospital.
"I'm kind of looking forward to school, but I do have so much to make up," said Alaina Dressman.
Alaina was discharged from the hospital Friday.
The only way we'll ever really know if her case is connected to the outbreak, is if a large group of Tri-Staters come down with it. The health department would then do a cluster study.
Natural Selection Foods has recalled all packages of its fresh spinach and any salad with spinach in a blend because they are possibly contaminated with E. coli. The affected packages have "Best if Used by Dates" of Aug. 17 through Oct. 1. Consumers with questions can contact the company at 800-690-3200.
The recalled brands are: Bellissima, Cheney Brothers, Coastline, Compliments, Cross Valley, D'Arrigo Brothers, Dole, Earthbound Farm, Emeril, Fresh Point, Green Harvest, Jansal Valley, Mann, Mills Family Farm, Natural Selection Foods, Nature's Basket, O Organic, Premium Fresh, President's Choice, Pride of San Juan, Pro*Act, Pro-Mark, Rave Spinach, Ready Pac, River Ranch, Riverside Farms, Snoboy, Superior, Sysco, Tanimura & Antle, The Farmer's Market and Trader Joe's.