FDA expands warning to cover all fresh spinach

[Guest guest]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Consumers should avoid all fresh spinach,

regardless of whether it is pre-packaged, a chief U.S. food safety

official warned on Saturday, saying the number of E. coli illnesses

had passed 100.

 

" We need to get a clear message to consumers, " said Dr. David

Acheson, the U.S.Food and Drug Administration's director of food

safety and security.

 

" Some consumers may not be aware that spinach that may be available

to them may have been pre-packaged, " he said referring to loose

spinach sold in restaurants and supermarkets.

 

While the FDA did not expand the warning beyond fresh spinach,

Acheson said the investigation into the cause of the illnesses was

continuing and other possible sources had not been excluded.

 

Investigators believe that the spinach was contaminated before it was

bagged since more than one bag contained contaminated product,

Acheson said on a Saturday evening conference call with reporters.