E.coli outbreak prompts spinach warning

According to the FDA, an epidemic of E. coli that has left one person dead and several others sick across 8 states, may be associated with bagged fresh spinach.

"The FDA is advising consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time and that any individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness associated with E. coli 0157 contact their health care provider," Dr. David Acheson, head of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said in a teleconference with reporters.

Bloody diarrhea and dehydration are caused by the highly fatal strain of bacteria: E. coli O157:H7. Kids, the aged and people with weak immune system are highly susceptible to it. The children and the elderly can develop a type of kidney failure that often leads to death.

50 cases including a death due to the outbreak has been reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hence, Acheson explained that the outbreak was "significant".

Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Utah and Wisconsin are the states that have reported cases of E. coli sickness.

Source: Medindia
GYT