Stores pull spinach, salads after health alert

Photo / Janna Dixon

Salad and spinach products sold in three supermarket chains are being recalled because of fears they contain a food-poisoning bacteria.

The Foodstuffs Own Brands company recalled its Pams brand salad and spinach products at the weekend.

Foodstuffs' supplier Living Foods Ltd told the supermarket chain company the affected products were found to contain listeria.

The three chains are Pak 'n Save, New World and Four Square. All are owned by Foodstuffs and may have sold the products to customers.

The Living Foods products are also sold in independent retail fruit and vegetable shops and wholesalers.

Foodstuffs general manager Dave McAteer said the company reacted as soon as possible.

"Our main priority is the safety of our customers and the wider public. As soon as we became aware of an issue with the products we immediately took all necessary steps and withdrew the products from sale."

The company was working with the Food Safety Authority and Living Foods to establish the cause of the contamination.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand says listeria infections are rare.

Those most at risk are vulnerable people such as infants, the elderly, pregnant women and people whose immunity is weakened by diseases such as cancer or HIV.

Listeria can develop into pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis.

The affected products have best-before dates between January 12 and 23.

The products are: Pams Fresh Express Baby Spinach 120g and 300g, Pams Fresh Express Spinach and Cos Mix Salads 120g, Pams Fresh Express Mediterranean Salad 295g and 120g, Living Foods Baby Spinach Salads 120g, 300g, 1kg, 2kg, 3kg and Living Foods Mediterranean Salad 295g.

WHAT IS LISTERIA?

* Listeria bacteria can be transmitted through soil and water or through eating contaminated products.

* Symptoms are normally a mild viral infection or flu fever; less common symptoms are diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps.

* Pregnant women are at risk of premature delivery, miscarriage or stillbirth but may experience only mild flu-like symptoms.

Anyone with queries about the Pams Fresh Express products should call 0800 245-114. For inquiries about Living Foods Ltd products, call (09) 257-1083.