So far, no reports of illnesses related to the tainted spinach distributed by Metz Fresh LLC of King City, California are found but the company is recalling the product as precautionary measure.
The recalled spinach is distributed under the "Metz Fresh" label. The company is recalling 10-ounce and 16-ounce bags as well as certain cartons of bagged spinach distributed to food service companies. It covers 8,118 cases of spinach.
The tracking codes of those bags range from 12208114, 12208214 and 12208314. The company says more than 90 percent of its spinach has already been tracked, located, and put hold, according to WebMD.
Though only one of the company's three packing lines tested positive for salmonella but as a precaution Metz Fresh is recalling all spinach packed on the day of the positive salmonella test.
The recalled spinach was distributed throughout the 48 states and Canada and sold in both retail and food service packages.
The California-based Metz is also working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and California health officials to investigate the problem.
"Nothing is more important to Metz Fresh than the safety of our customers, period," says Andrew Cumming, president of Metz Fresh, in a news release.
Last year, an outbreak of another pathogen, E. coli in fresh spinach killed three people and sickened another 200.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria usually found in poultry, eggs, unprocessed milk and in meat and water. It may also be carried by pets like turtles and birds. The salmonella bacteria attack the stomach and intestines.
In more serious cases, the bacteria may enter the lymph tracts, which carry water and protein to the blood, and the blood itself. The bacteria attack all age groups and both sexes.
Children, the elderly and people who are already ill are much more likely to get a serious infection. Salmonella sickens about 40,000 people a year in the U.S. and kills about 600.
Consumers with questions can contact Metz Fresh at 831-386-1018.
