Kroger recalls bags of spinach in 15 states

Yesterday an announcement was issued that grocery store Kroger is recalling bags of fresh spinach in 15 states due to potential contamination of Listeria.

According to a Sept. 19 news release from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The Kroger Co. Family Stores has issued a recall on some of its "Kroger Fresh Selections Tender Spinach" because it may contain Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled spinach was sold in 10-ounce bags and has a "best if used by" date of Sept. 16 stamped on the package. Consumers can also identify the recalled bags by looking at the product's UPC number, which is 0001111091649. Kroger stores in the 15 states impacted by this recall are located in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, central and eastern Tennessee, and Michigan. Consumers should also be aware that Kroger-owned stores in Indiana, Illinois and eastern Missouri are affected, including the stores operating under the names of Kroger, Jay C, Owen’s, Pay Less, Scott’s and Food 4 Less. In Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska the stores are: Dillons, Baker’s, and Gerbes. The FDA noted some Kroger-owned stores are NOT included in this recall. The store names are listed as: Fry’s, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC, Smith’s, King Soopers, City Market and Food 4 Less/Foods Co. in California. No consumers have reported any illnesses associated with this product, reported the Associated Press. The spinach was supplied to Kroger stores by California-based NewStar Fresh Foods LLC. NewStar said the recall "is being done out of an abundance of caution" after one package of spinach tested positive for Listeria by the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture, said the AP. Consumers are told they should not eat this product. Kroger has pulled the recalled spinach off its shelves, placed signs in the stores and contacted customers through the chain's customer recall notification system. The recall, along with other recalls, are listed on Kroger's website. Consumers who have purchased the recalled spinach are being advised to return the items to Kroger for a full refund or replacement item. Consumers with questions can call 1-800-KROGERS.