Tainted spinach cause unknown to– FDA

On March 27, 2007 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in partnership with the California Department of Health Services, released its final report into the investigation of the August 2006 E. coli outbreak in baby spinach. Although investigators “successfully identified environmental risk factors,” they were unable to find the specific cause of the E. coli contamination.

“The probe was a notable effort by federal, state and local officials," said Dr. Robert E. Brackett, director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "It yielded valuable information we can use to determine how best to reduce the likelihood of similar outbreaks."

Those “potential environmental risk factors” detailed in the report included the presence of wild pigs, nearby untreated irrigation wells, and surface waterways exposed to feces from both cattle and local wildlife.

E. coli is a bacteria that occurs naturally in animals and humans. However there are many types of E. coli. Some like E. coli O157:H7 (the strain involved in this tainted spinach outbreak) can be very dangerous to humans. It can cause severe and bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. For children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, the body may not be able to fight off the bacteria on its own, leading to kidney failure, infections, and other medical conditions including death.

Approximately 73,000 Americans are exposed to E. coli O157:H7 every year, and on average 61 people die from the illness. Just days before this report came out, at least 14 people in the Orange County area of California became ill after eating at a specific restaurant – an incident that happens all the time. In the tainted spinach case there were 205 confirmed cases and three deaths.

Washing can reduce the risk of contracting some food borne illnesses, but would not have prevented this E. coli outbreak in the fresh spinach. Cooking or boiling food is the best way to kill the bacteria and avoid exposure.

In response to the tainted spinach outbreak, the FDA started its “Leafy Greens” initiative, aimed at reducing the risk of future food-borne illnesses. However, as the FDA admits itself: “Safe production, packing, processing, distribution and handling of lettuce/leafy greens depends upon a myriad of factors and the diligent efforts and food safety commitment of many parties throughout the distribution chain. No single resource document can anticipate every food safety issue or provide answers to all food safety questions.”

Tainted products in the country’s food chain can cause severe illness and even death. It is the responsibility of all food producers and handlers to prevent contamination. If you have become ill due to tainted spinach or some other type of food, contact a Jim S. Adler & Associates personal injury lawyer for a free case review. You may be entitled to collect compensation to cover your medical bills, lost work, and pain and suffering. Contact us today by phone to start your free case review, or fill out the form on this page with the details of your food-related illness.

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