E. coli Outbreak In Michigan Linked To Baby Spinach

MICHIGAN — State and federal health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157 infections that were linked to eating organic baby spinach, with at least one case reported in Michigan.

The CDC said that Josie's Organics organic baby spinach and Fresh Thyme organic baby spinach are linked to the outbreak that is making sick.

The CDC also advised people not to eat, sell or serve Josie’s Organics prepackaged baby spinach with “best by” date of Oct. 23, 2021.

Health officials told people to throw away any contaminated spinach or return it to where you bought it from. They also said to wash items and surfaces that may have touched the contaminated spinach using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Symptoms of illness caused by E. coli O157 typically include stomach cramps and diarrhea, often with bloody stools, with low-grade or no fever.

People can become ill two to eight days after exposure, and most recover within five to 10 days. However, E. coli can be more serious in children under 10 and the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Minnesota health officials discovered the E. coli in a package of leftover Josie’s Organics baby spinach collected from a sick person’s home, health officials said.

As of Tuesday, ten people from seven states were infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157, health officials said. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Oct. 15 to Oct. 27.

Health officials said two have been hospitalized and no deaths.