Health authorities have sounded the alarm after nine people in Sydney have required medical attention after experiencing alarming toxic reactions linked to a brand of packaged spinach.
Authorities believe the product, Riviera Farms branded baby spinach, may have been accidentally contaminated.
NSW Health advised the spinach was sold through Costco outlets and carried an expiry date of December 16.
It said reported systems could be severe. They included delirium or confusion, hallucinations, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, flushed face, blurred vision, dry mouth and skin, and fever.
Those who have fallen ill came from four unrelated households across Sydney.
“The product is not safe to consume and people who have it should throw it out,” NSW Health said in a statement.
“Initial investigations suggest the presence of an accidental contaminant in the food product.”
Riviera Farms said it has been in contact with state and federal food regulators after immediately advising customers to withdraw a spinach product from shelves following reports of a contamination.
“Early reports are that our one-kilogram plastic tubs of spinach with a best before date of 16/12/2022 may be contaminated with a weed which can have health consequences if consumed,” a spokesman said.
“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.”
The company said there was no suggestion any other products had been impacted.
“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 said.
Customers concerned about exposure to the spinach should call the Poisons Information Centre while anyone who experiences unusual and severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
-with AAP
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