A Canadian company is now recalling baby spinach in the United States after having launched a recall in Canada because a positive lab test showed the fresh produce could be contaminated with Salmonella.

Vegpro International of Sherrington of Quebec, Canada, distributed the recalled Fresh Attitude brand fresh baby spinach in Eastern Canada and the Northeast United States, according to a company recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration. The six U.S. states involved are New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland and Pennsylvania. 

The recalled spinach has best-by dates through Dec. 5, so there is concern that consumers may have packages of the product in their homes. Consumers should not consume the recalled products according to the recall notice.

No illnesses had been reported as of the posting of the recall notices.

“The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product was possibly contaminated with Salmonella subsequent investigation indicates that the problem may have been caused by contamination of a part of a lot of  baby spinach,” according to the recall notice posted by the FDA.

Consumers can determine whether they have the recalled baby spinach on hand by looking for the following label information.

• BABY SPINACH. 8 X 5 OZ, Fresh Attitude, Best before 2020-12-04 & 2020-12-05 UPC: 888048000042 UPC case: 10888048000049
• BABY SPINACH. 9 X 11 OZ, Fresh Attitude, Best before 2020-12-04 UPC: 888048000288 UPC case: 10888048000285

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. 

about Salmonella infections

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.