(KNSI) – Organic baby spinach sold by Fresh Tyme could be the source of an ongoing E. Coli outbreak.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) are working with the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and public health agencies in other states on an ongoing investigation of an outbreak of E. coli O157 infections associated with eating organic baby spinach.
According to investigators, the Minnesota cases became ill from October 17th to October 23rd. Neither sick person was hospitalized. The ill Minnesotans were in their mid-20’s. One is a metro area resident, and the other is from outstate Minnesota. One case reported eating Josie’s Organics organic baby spinach purchased from HyVee, and the other case reported Fresh Thyme organic baby spinach purchased from Fresh Thyme.
Braga Fresh produces both brands. The MDA collected leftover Josie’s Organics organic baby spinach with a best by date of 10/23/2021 from a Minnesota case’s home, and this product tested positive for E. coli O157.
Minnesota health officials warn people not to eat Josie’s Organics organic baby spinach and Fresh Thyme organic baby spinach with a best-by date on or around 10/23/2021. If they have it in their refrigerators, throw it out.
The investigation by state and federal partners to determine the scope of the contamination is ongoing; this investigation could result in an expansion of the warning to include additional production dates.
For more information on the investigation, click here.
