Aussies urged not to take leafy greens off the menu after ‘hallucinogenic’ spinach recall

Health authorities have issued urgent warnings after a child was rushed to hospital after eating contaminated spinach, but a peak industry body is urging Aussies not to avoid leafy greens this Christmas.

Up to 100 people across Australia, including at least 20 in Victoria, are believed to have fallen ill after eating the toxic product.

CEO of AUSVEG, Michale Coote, says the products contain “plant matter that wasn’t spinach”.

Press PLAY below for more details on the “hallucinogenic” spinach recall

An investigation into the contaminant is underway.

But Australians are being urged not to avoid leafy greens this Christmas, with Mr Coote saying the recall “couldn’t be worse timing” for growers.

Contaminated products were sold at Coles, Woolworths and Costco, and all originate from from one Victorian farm.

“We’re just encouraging anyone who might have purchased those recalled products to dispose of them and seek medical attention if they’ve got concerns,” Mr Coote told 3AW Breakfast.

Recalled products include:

• Coles Spinach 60g,120g (UBD 23 DEC, NSW), 280g (UBD 23 DEC, VIC only)
• Coles Chef Blend Tender Leaf 150g (UBD 22 DEC, VIC, NSW, SA, NT only)
• Coles Baby Leaf Blend 300g (UBD 22 DEC, VIC, NSW, SA, NT only)
• Coles Kitchen Green Goddess Salad 250g, 300g, Coles Kitchen Chicken BLT Salad Bowl 240g, Coles Kitchen Roast Pumpkin, Fetta & Walnut Salad 265g, Coles Kitchen Smokey Mexican Salad 280g, Coles Kitchen Egg and Spinach Pots 100g available for sale in Coles Supermarkets and through Coles Express and Coles Online in NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD. All use by dates between 17 DEC 2022 up to and including 23 DEC 2022.
• Woolworths Chicken Cobb Salad 270g USE BY 20/DEC
• Woolworths Chickpea Falafel Salad 290g USE BY 20/DEC, USE BY 22/DEC
• ALDI Fresh Salad Co  Fresh and Fast Stir Fry, USE BY 24 DEC
• Riviera Farms Baby Spinach 350g and 1kg, use by dates from 16 Dec to 28 Dec