HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

QUEEN VICTORIA BUNCHED FRESH SPINACH MAY CONTAIN SALMONELLA BACTERIA

OTTAWA, September 18, 2009 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Queen Victoria brand bunched fresh spinach described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected spinach was sold in bunches held together with a twist tie bearing the Queen Victoria logo, Product of USA, PLU 4090 and UPC 33383-65200. Distribution and dates of sale for the affected spinach are as follows:

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

The importers are voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Salmonella, visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/salmonellae.shtml

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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Media Inquiries:

CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600