Warning: Toxic spinach poisons nine Australians
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Health authorities are warning that a certain batch of Riviera Farms-branded baby spinach should not be eaten, as the product is ‘not safe to consume’.
A number of people across Sydney have developed poisoning symptoms after eating the spinach, which may contain a contaminant according to NSW Health.
‘To date, NSW Health has identified nine people from four separate and unrelated households across Sydney who have required medical attention after developing poisoning soon after eating the product,’ they said.
Authorities advise any spinach sold through Costco with an expiry date of December 16, 2022, should be thrown out.
In a statement, Riviera Farms said one-kilo tubs of its baby spinach were possibly ‘contaminated with a weed which can have health consequences if consumed’.
‘As soon as we were advised of the possible weed contamination from one of our customers, we immediately advised them to remove our impacted spinach from their shelves, and contacted state health and federal food authorities,’ they said.
Costco has yet to post a notice on its website as of writing.
‘There is no suggestion, and to our knowledge no possibility, that any other products have been impacted by this weed.’ they continued.
‘Riviera Farms has been in the business of providing fresh food since the 1880s, and we are saddened to confirm that we have likely had our first-ever significant contamination incident.’
It is unclear how widely Riviera Farms’ baby spinach is distributed.
NSW Health said it was working with authorities to investigate the matter further.
Symptoms to watch out for include hallucinations, delirium, confusion, blurred vision, dry mouth and skin, and fever.
It is recommended that those concerned about the spinach call NSW’s Poison Information Centre at 13 11 26. In case of emergencies, please dial 000.
We know food safety is of the utmost importance, and we want our readers to stay as safe as possible.
Please share this news with your loved ones to keep them informed and prevent untoward incidents!
A number of people across Sydney have developed poisoning symptoms after eating the spinach, which may contain a contaminant according to NSW Health.
‘To date, NSW Health has identified nine people from four separate and unrelated households across Sydney who have required medical attention after developing poisoning soon after eating the product,’ they said.
Authorities advise any spinach sold through Costco with an expiry date of December 16, 2022, should be thrown out.
In a statement, Riviera Farms said one-kilo tubs of its baby spinach were possibly ‘contaminated with a weed which can have health consequences if consumed’.
Aussies who bought Riviera Farms’ baby spinach with a best-before date of December 16 are advised to throw the product away. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Eva Bronzini
‘As soon as we were advised of the possible weed contamination from one of our customers, we immediately advised them to remove our impacted spinach from their shelves, and contacted state health and federal food authorities,’ they said.
Costco has yet to post a notice on its website as of writing.
‘There is no suggestion, and to our knowledge no possibility, that any other products have been impacted by this weed.’ they continued.
‘Riviera Farms has been in the business of providing fresh food since the 1880s, and we are saddened to confirm that we have likely had our first-ever significant contamination incident.’
It is unclear how widely Riviera Farms’ baby spinach is distributed.
NSW Health said it was working with authorities to investigate the matter further.
Riviera Farms produces 7000 tonnes of produce yearly according to its website. Credit: Riviera Farms
Symptoms to watch out for include hallucinations, delirium, confusion, blurred vision, dry mouth and skin, and fever.
It is recommended that those concerned about the spinach call NSW’s Poison Information Centre at 13 11 26. In case of emergencies, please dial 000.
We know food safety is of the utmost importance, and we want our readers to stay as safe as possible.
Please share this news with your loved ones to keep them informed and prevent untoward incidents!
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