Spinach recalled in N.C., Virginia, Maryland

A Maryland company recalled packaged spinach on Wednesday after tests by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in product samples.

Lancaster Foods LLC, of Jessup, Md., recalled 10-ounce packages of Krisp-Pak Ready to Eat Hydro-Cooled Fresh Spinach. The packages have the code: “Best Enjoyed By: 23 Jun 10, Product of USA, 10/158/09:17/1/05.”

State inspectors collected the product from a Farm Fresh store in Elizabeth City. No illnesses associated with this product have been reported.

The recall extends to products sold in North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia.

“Consumers who have this product should throw the contents of the bag away and contact the Lancaster Foods’ toll-free consumer line for additional information,” Dan Ragan, director of the Agriculture Department's Food and Drug Protection Division, said in a statement. “Listeria is particularly dangerous to persons with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.”

Healthy individuals might suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Lancaster Foods is cooperating with state and federal authorities to determine the cause of the problem. Consumers can contact the company for more information by calling 800-247-8125.