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NSW Health reports 164 incidents of contaminated spinach illness

19 December 2022 10:02 (UTC +04:00)

Health authorities are urging Australians not to seek out toxic baby spinach, as 164 people in New South Wales (NSW) alone report symptoms, APA reports citing TheAustralian.

A national recall for baby spinach products originating from a Victorian farm – sold at Coles and Woolworths stores across the country – was issued after some people experienced hallucinations.

As of Sunday, NSW Health has revealed 164 have reported symptoms after eating baby spinach, at least 42 of whom have sought medical attention.

Among the symptoms reported were delirium or confusion, hallucinations, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, flushed face, blurred vision and dry mouth.

A Queensland child was hospitalised on the weekend after eating the leaves, which health authorities say originated from Riviera Farms.

In a statement, the farm said it had contacted all 20 of the retailers selling its produce.

“The advice to our customers remains to recall potentially contaminated spinach products from their shelves and to advise their own customers to do the same,” they said.

“Riviera Farms has been working with retailers and regulators to identify, and recall, potentially contaminated spinach products from shelves.”

While investigations are ongoing, it’s likely the spinach became contaminated by a toxic weed, such as a nightshade, jimson weed or mandrake root.

The weed may have contaminated the spinach crop as a result of recent flooding.