Breaking news for everyone

Officials are investigating a new outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 related to two brands of prepackaged baby spinach. The FDA is investigating farms related to spinach.

"One case reported eating Josie's Organics organic baby spinach purchased from HyVee, and another case reported Fresh Thyme organic baby spinach purchased from Fresh Thyme. Both brands are produced by Braga Fresh," said a Minnesota public health official.

So far, the epidemic has spread to seven states and has caused at least 10 people to become ill. Of the eight people with information, two were very sick and had to be hospitalized. According to the outbreak announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were no reports of deaths.

Josie's Organics reported that the spinach was distributed to retailers nationwide. The best shelf life for a pack of related spinach is October 23. CDC did not report whether other best shelf life was involved. CDC has not released any product photos.

Whole genome sequencing of matched patient samples indicates a common source of contamination.

"Minnesota officials found E. coli O157:H7 in a leftover pack of Josie's Organics spinach collected from patients’ homes. Five people (among the six interviewed) in this outbreak reported that they had eaten them a week before they fell ill. After using spinach, one person reported using the Josie's Organics brand," the CDC said.

"Investigators are working to determine whether other products may be contaminated."

The FDA is tracing the supply of baby spinach in positive product samples. According to the latest FDA news, so far, the FDA has traced the supply chain of this product to a few farms in two different geographic regions and is deploying investigators along the supply chain of interest.

As of this morning, the Food and Drug Administration has not reported any recalls related to the epidemic. Due to the short shelf life of green leafy vegetables and the long time required to determine an outbreak, it is not uncommon for leafy vegetables to have no recall during an outbreak related to green leafy vegetables.

The CDC reported that the confirmed patient developed symptoms between October 15 and 27. Their age ranges from 2 to 71 years old. Seventy percent of patients are women.

Due to the long time required to confirm the test and report to federal officials, it may take more than a month in some cases, so more patients may be identified.

Anyone who has eaten any related spinach and has symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor that they may have been exposed to this bacteria. Specific tests are needed to diagnose the infection, which can mimic other diseases.

The symptoms of E. coli infection vary from person to person, but usually include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which are usually bloody. Some patients may also have fever. Most patients will recover within 5 to 7 days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, others may experience severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications.

Approximately 5% to 10% of people diagnosed with E. coli infection will develop a potentially life-threatening complication of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, less frequent urination, unexplained small bruises or bleeding, and paleness. 

Many people with HUS will recover within a few weeks, but some will suffer permanent injury or death. This condition can occur in people of any age, but it is most common in children under 5 years of age because of their immature immune systems; elderly people due to their immune system deterioration; and people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients. 

People who develop symptoms of HUS should seek emergency medical care immediately. People with HUS should be hospitalized because it can cause other serious and persistent problems such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and nervous system problems.

(To register for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)