Agencies seek source of tainted spinach

U.S. and New York state health officials are investigating an outbreak of food-borne illness linked to a mix of leafy greens sold at a regional grocery chain. Some 16 infections of E. coli in New York state are believed to be tied to a blend of organic spinach and spring mix sold by Wegmans supermarkets, CNN reported Thursday. Five-ounce and 11-ounce packages of Organic Spinach & Spring Mix sold under the chain's name between Oct. 14 and Nov. 1 have been recalled. The product was offered in Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts. It was produced by State Garden Inc. of Chelsea, Mass. How the food became contaminated is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the New York state departments of health and agriculture and markets. The agencies are attempting to determine if the greens were distributed to other stores and to ensure all product is removed. Wegmans has advised anyone who bought the greens to discard them and visit a store service desk for a refund. E. coli can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and even kidney failure. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune system are considered especially vulnerable.