88 people ill after suspected contamination in Riviera Farms baby spinach

Woolworths, Aldi, Coles and Costco stores across the country are recalling salad products as a “toxic” spinach outbreak spreads, with at least 88 people affected. See the list of recalled products.

Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and Costco stores across the country are recalling salad products as the ‘toxic’ spinach spread to more than 80 people.

As of Saturday evening, health authorities said 88 people had reported symptoms after eating baby spinach, and at least 33 of them sought medical attention.

Recalls of spinach products broadened on Saturday, as Coles pulled their own brand of products off the shelves due to the “hallucinogenic” toxin.

Coles brand baby spinach packs in 60g and 120g bags are recalled throughout NSW, as well as 150g tender leaf blend packs and 300g baby leaf blend packs.

Other products recalled include the Coles Kitchen Green Goddess Salad 300g and 250g, Coles Kitchen Roast Pumpkin Fetta & Walnut Salad 265g and Coles Kitchen Chicken Blt Salad Bowl 240g.

Baby spinach is a popular choice for a delicious salad.

Also recalled is the Coles Kitchen Smokey Mexican Salad 280g and Coles Kitchens Egg And Spinach Pots 100g.

A Coles spokesperson said all of these products with a use by date between December 17 and 23 should not be consumed.

Previously Riviera Farms branded baby spinach packets were found to contain “hallucinogenic” toxic plant material.

Woolworths on Friday withdrew its 270g Chicken Cobb Salad with an expiry date of 20 December and its 290g Chickpea Falafel Salad with a used by of both 20 and 22 December.

Aldi stores took Fresh Salad Co Fresh and Fast Stir Fry packs with an expiry date of 24 December off the shelves.

Concerns began on Friday when nine people in Sydney reported experiencing hallucinations and blurred vision among a wide range of bizarre symptoms after eating the spinach.

NSW Health has issued an immediate recall of ‘Riviera Farms’ branded baby spinach following a number of cases of possible food-related toxic reactions.

Spinach is a healthy leafy green vegetable. Picture: Thinkstock

Costco in Sydney. Picture: AAP Image

The Department is urging households to avoid eating the product.

All nine people required medical attention and reported experiencing delirium or confusion, hallucinations and fever.

Other symptoms included dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, flushed face, blurred vision, and dry mouth and skin.

The brand of leafy greens is sold in Costco and NSW Health has stated that packets with an expiry date of 16 December 2022 are “not safe to consume” and should be thrown out.

Health authorities have also urged anyone who experiences any unusual and severe symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital.

Initial investigations suggest the presence of an accidental contaminant in the food product, however it is not yet known the exact nature of the potential contaminant.

A Riviera Farms spokesperson told the ABC that it is possible the product may have been “contaminated with a weed which can have health consequences if consumed”.

The spokesperson added: “There is no suggestion, and to our knowledge no possibility, that any other products have been impacted by this weed.”

Riviera Farms is a farm based in Lindenow, Victoria that produces a number of other leafy green products as well as fruit and vegetables.

NSW Health is working with the NSW Food Authority, as well as other jurisdictions across the country, to investigate the issue further.