Frozen Cut Spinach Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Product Samples

An AZ retailer is recalling its branded frozen cut spinach after random sampling revealed that finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes.  The product was manufactured by National Frozen Foods of Oregon.  One date code for both organic and conventional spinach was recalled.  Product was shipped to 19 states (AZ, CA, NV, UT, NM, CO, TX, KS, OK, MO, TN, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, PA, MD, and VA)

As we have seen with so many of these recalls in the past, one may expect additional lots recalled if the company finds that additional product lots have contamination, thus indicating inadequate controls were in place.

While freezing restricts growth and proper cooking would eliminate the Listeria risk, the concern would be the use of spinach in applications where heating is limited or product is not heated at all (smoothies, spinach dip) or where there is the chance of cross contamination in the kitchen.

This is not National Frozen Foods first Listeria related recall.  In 2016, this company had the extensive recall with frozen peas and in 2018, there was a recall of frozen green beans.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprouts-farmers-market-recalls-frozen-cut-leaf-spinach-and-frozen-organic-cut-leaf-spinach-16oz
Sprouts Farmers Market Recalls Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach and Frozen Organic Cut Leaf Spinach 16oz. Packages Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date :June 14, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 17, 2019

Product Type:Food & Beverages
Produce Reason for Announcement: Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:Sprouts Farmers Market
Brand Name: Sprouts Farmers Market
Product Description:  Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach

Company Announcement

Sprouts Farmers Market of Phoenix, AZ is recalling Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach conventional and organic 16oz bags, manufactured by National Frozen Foods of Oregon, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Sprouts Recalls the following product:

Sprouts Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach, 16oz. bag, UPC 87487500982, Lot 19031203A03, USE BY 12/03/21. Identifying information can be found on the back of the package.

Sprouts Frozen Organic Cut Leaf Spinach, 16oz. bag, UPC 87487500991, Lot 19031203A03, USE BY 12/03/21. Identifying information can be found on the back of the package

Product was distributed to retail locations in AZ, CA, NV, UT, NM, CO, TX, KS, OK, MO, TN, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, PA, MD, and VA.

No illnesses have been reported in connection to this product to date.

The recall is due to random sampling which revealed the finished products contained the bacteria. Sprouts Farmers Market has removed all affected product from its retail stores. In addition, Sprouts is conducting an internal investigation with National Frozen Foods to ensure all food safety standards and being met and enforced.

Consumers who have purchased the products are urged to destroy or return it to the stores for a full refund of the product. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1 (888) 577-7688 from 8am to 5pm PST