Frozen Spinach Recalled In California Over Listeria Concerns

CALIFORNIA — Sprouts Farmers Market has recalled bags of frozen spinach in California that federal health officials say might be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which could cause a serious infection. The Phoenix-based company recalled 16-ounce bags of frozen cut leaf spinach and frozen organic cut leaf spinach with use-by dates of Dec. 3, 2021, according to an FDA recall notice published Monday.

The recalled bags were shipped to retailers in 19 states: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.

No illnesses have been reported, the FDA said. A random sample showed the leaves contained the bacteria.

Sprouts told Patch in an emailed statement that food safety and the health of customers is of "utmost importance" to the company.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that sickens an estimated 1,600 people every year. The illness can be deadly, with about 260 people dying from it every year.

Pregnant women, newborns, and older adults at least 65 years old are most at risk to contract the infection, as well as people with weakened immune systems, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Listeria can cause fever and diarrhea. Invasive listeriosis, meaning the bacteria spread beyond the gut, can lead to a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. In pregnant women it can even cause the unborn child to die.

Those sickened by invasive listeriosis should take antibiotics.

Sprouts Farmers Market has removed all recalled products from its stores and is investigating with National Frozen Foods to ensure all food safety standards were being “met and enforced.”

Anyone who bought the spinach should throw it out or return it to the store for a full refund.

Here are the products:

• Sprouts Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach, 16oz. bag, UPC 87487500982, Lot 19031203A03, USE BY 12/03/21. Identifying information can be found on the back of the package.
• Sprouts Frozen Organic Cut Leaf Spinach, 16oz. bag, UPC 87487500991, Lot 19031203A03, USE BY 12/03/21. Identifying information can be found on the back of the package

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

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