Spinach E. coli Outbreak Update

Thirteen product samples have been confirmed to contain the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 that is responsible for a nationwide outbreak that has resulted in 199 confirmed illnesses and 31 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

There are now a total of 13 confirmed product samples that contain the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak strain.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed the presence of the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 in a sample of Dole spinach with a lot code of P227A02, and a "best if used by" date of August 30, 2006.

The Ohio Department of Health confirmed the isolation of E. coli O157:H7, matching the outbreak strain, from a package of Dole Baby Spinach.

The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services has confirmed that E. coli O157:H7, the same strain as that associated with the outbreak, has been found in 2 bags of Dole Baby Spinach with lot codes of P227A.

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services has reported a confirmed finding of E. coli O157:H7 in bagged spinach, with a lot code of P227A03, matching the outbreak strain. The Nevada sample was analyzed by FDA Pacific Regional Lab NW.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed that E. coli O157:H7, the same strain as that associated with the outbreak, has been found in 2 individual bags of Dole spinach purchased in Pennsylvania with a "best if used by" date of August 30, 2006, and a lot code of P227A01.

The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and the Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) have confirmed that E. coli O157:H7, the same strain as that associated with the outbreak, has been found in a bag of Dole Baby Spinach purchased in Utah, with a lot code of P227A01. Laboratory tests were conducted by the Utah Public Health Laboratory (UPHL).

The New Mexico Department of Health announced on September 20, 2006, that it had linked a sample from a package of Dole Baby Spinach with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. DNA fingerprinting tests determined that the strain from the spinach matches the strain from patients in the outbreak. The package of spinach that tested positive was Dole Baby Spinach, with a lot code of P227A03.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed that E. coli O157:H7, matching the outbreak strain, has been found in a package of Dole Fresh Spinach with a lot code of P227A02, and a "best if used by" date of August 30.

The Arizona Department of Health Services reported a confirmed finding of E. coli O157:H7 in Dole bagged spinach, with a lot code of P227A03, and a "best if used by" date of August 30, 2006, matching the outbreak strain.

The Nebraska Health and Human Services System reported a confirmed finding of E. coli O157:H7 in Dole bagged baby spinach, with a lot code of P227A01, and a “best if used by” date of August 30, 2006, matching the outbreak strain.

The Utah Department of Health reported a confirmed finding of E. coli O157:H7 in Dole bagged baby spinach, with a lot code of P227A01, matching the outbreak strain.

Spinach E. coli Outbreak Update

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