Coles recalls more spinach products as fears over potential contamination widen

Coles has recalled 11 own-brand spinach products as the scare over contamination of fresh produce in Australia widens.

On Friday Woolworths recalled two salads for the same reason.

Coles said the affected products had been on sale across all states and territories other than Western Australia and Tasmania since 8 December and had use-by dates between 17 December and 23 December. It urged consumers not to eat the spinach since it could cause illness, and said they could return it to any Coles store for a full refund.

Aldi has also recalled 450g packets of The Fresh Salad co-branded Fresh & Fast Stir Fry, with use-by dates up to and including 24 December from Victorian stores.

NSW Health said it was working with other jurisdictions to investigate.

By Friday evening 47 people in NSW had reported symptoms after eating baby spinach, at least 17 of whom had sought medical help.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) said in a statement on Saturday it was working through the supply chain with relevant jurisdictions to ensure any other affected products were identified.

The peak vegetable industry body Ausveg appealed to consumers to adhere to the recalls, but not to avoid other spinach products.

The Woolworths products recalled were a chicken cobb salad with a use-by date of 20 December and Woolworths chickpea falafel with use-by dates of 20 and 22 December, which were sold in stores in Victoria, NSW, the ACT and Tasmania.

Earlier on Friday an urgent recall was issued for packaged baby spinach after dozens of people reported worrying symptoms from eating the contaminated product.

It is not clear whether the recalls are related.

Authorities believe the first product identified, Riviera Farms-branded baby spinach, might have been accidentally contaminated, leading to people experiencing possible toxic reactions including hallucinations and delirium.

The Riviera recall includes bags of spinach sold through Costco in NSW, Victoria and the ACT with use-by dates from 16 December up to and including 28 December.

Authorities have warned the product is not safe to consume and people who still have it stored at home should throw it out.

The company said it would continue to work closely with health and food regulators as investigations continue.

Customers concerned about exposure to the spinach should call the poisons information centre on 131 126 while anyone who experiences unusual and severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.