http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060915/ap_on_he_me/tainted_spinach

Just thought I'd pass this info. on for those that have not seen it...

I've read that in the past they have had trouble with other bagged salads too. I guess this is big enough to get me to buy the lettuce and cut it myself!

I had diarrhea about 4-5 days ago, and could not understand why. This morning I realize I had eaten spinach from the bag. Don't buy ANY greens in bags anymore! We lived in Spain and used to run a clorox/water mixture over all produce before eating it or refrigerating it. It worked and did not taste bad at all. Two days ago I bought some store deli mustard potato salad (I have not had the surgery yet), and crunched on what turned out to be (I hope) a black olive pit. Good grief! I am 99% sure it was not a bug as it was very stiff. Anyone want a ride to the grocery store?

I have seen this as well, and NO longer buy any bagged veggies. GO organic if you can!

would that help since E. coli is bacteria found in human, animal instestines & feces. If organics use organic fertilizer they are at same risk?

This is from the CDC:

E. coli is:

_A form of bacteria that commonly lives in the human body.

_One strain releases a toxin that can cause severe illness.

_The germ is present in uncooked beef, unpasteurized milk and juice, and on raw sprouts and lettuce.

Symptoms include:

_Abdominal cramps.

_Severe, often bloody, diarrhea.

_Kidney failure in the young, elderly or people with weak immune systems.

If you have an E. coli infection:

_You don't need to take antibiotics.

_It will probably go away in five to 10 days.

_Young children and the elderly could be hospitalized to treat kidney failure.

Every year in the U.S.:

_Approximately 73,000 people contract E. coli.

_Approximately 61 people die from the infection.

Ways to prevent contracting E. coli:

_Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

_Cook all ground beef and meat.

_Drink only pasteurized milk and juice.

_Don't swallow Water in lakes or public pools.

If you get E. coli, try to avoid infecting others:

_Don't prepare food for others.

_Bathe alone. _Don't swim in public places.

You that is a good question, but I have no problems with it, so I pray that they are not taintable as well...

But on t.v. this minute they are saying it is the process of bagging that helps the bacteria to breed.

good to know!!! must be moisture and environment!

EEKKSSS. I cannot imagine being sick right now!

Scarey the news said if it were Water contamination and the roots absorbed the e coli then it is IN the spinach leaves and cant be washed off.