After at least 50 people, spanning 8 US states, came down with E. coli poisoning and one person died, the FDA has warned people not to consume fresh bagged spinach. The FDA is not completely sure the spinach is to blame, but believes it is most likely. The bacteria strain has been identified as O157:H7.

Up to late yesterday the states affected were:

— Wisconsin (1 death, 20 ill)
— Connecticut
— Idaho
— Indiana
— Michigan
— New Mexico
— Oregon
— Utah

Dr. David Acheson, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FDA), says the agency is advising people not to eat fresh-bagged spinach.

Apparently, the E. coli is so tightly attached that even washing the spinach does not guarantee you will be protected, according to Robert Brackett, Director, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition.

Preliminary tests indicate the same bacterium is the cause of the outbreak in all the states affected so far. As the FDA is still not completely sure about the source of the outbreak it has made a nationwide warning.

As most spinach is harvested in California at this time of year, authorities have focussed there for the likely source.

What is E.coli?

It is one of the bacteria that line the gut of humans and animals. It also exists in raw and undercooked beef, infected water and milk. Most E. coli strains are harmless. However, O157:H7 can cause food poisoning.

A sample of a person’s faeces (stool) must be tested to confirm E.coli poisoning.

Cattle are believed to the main source of infection. It can spread as a result of:

— Eating contaminated food, such as undercooked beef burgers, raw vegetables which have been washed or watered with contaminated water
— Drinking untreated milk or dairy products
— Contact with infected animals

Symptoms of E. coli Poisoning

Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
— Abdominal pain
Fever (sometimes)

Symptoms usually appear about 1-3 days after infection.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today