Major Supermarkets Issue Salad Recall
Coles and IGA have recalled more than 20 pre-packaged salad products. The recall follows concerns over bacterial contamination. Health authorities flagged the potential presence of shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in some pre-packaged salads.
Retailers issued the recall notice for Coles and IGA-branded salad products across multiple states. Consumers should check use-by dates and dispose of products with dates up to April 9, 2025.
Figure 1: Coles have recalled more than 20 pre-packaged salad products
Health Authorities Issue Warning
Health authorities reported the detection of STEC in two pre-packaged, ready-to-eat spinach products. Authorities purchased the contaminated items from supermarkets in Queensland as part of proactive public health surveillance.
Dr. Shannon Melody, Tasmanian Public Health Specialist Medical Advisor, stated that food contaminated with STEC may cause illness if consumed. “It can cause gastroenteritis, or ‘gastro’, resulting in serious illness in about 10 per cent of cases, especially very young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems,” Dr. Melody said.
Understanding the Risks
STEC is a strain of E. coli that can cause sickness. Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Health authorities recommend not consuming any recalled products. Consumers should either dispose of them or return them for a refund.
No illnesses have been linked to the contamination at this stage. However, retailers extended the recall as a precaution while investigations continue.
Nationwide Impact
The recall affects products sold at Coles supermarkets, Coles Local stores, and Coles Online. The impacted states include New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, and the ACT. Some products sold in South Australia and the Northern Territory are also affected.
Coles advised customers to avoid eating the recalled items. Consumers should return affected products to any Coles supermarket or Coles Local store for a full refund. Coles Online customers can contact Coles Online Customer Care on 1800 455 400 for refunds or credits.
List of Recalled Products
The recall involves the following Coles products:
- Spinach 60g, 120g, 280g, 400g
- Family Mix Stir Fry 400g
- Spinach and Kale 300g
- Spinach and Rocket 60g, 120g
- Beetslaw 320g
- 4 Leaf Blend 200g
- 4 Leaf Mix 120g
- Kitchen Pesto Risoni 190g
- Kitchen Egg and Spinach 100g
- Baby Leaf & Beet Blend 150g
- Baby Leaf Blend 300g
- Mixed Leaf Garden Salad 180g
- Mediterranean Style Bowl 185g
- Beetslaw Bowl 180g
- Sweet Potato Superfood Bowl 180g
- Roasted Pumpkin, Feta and Walnut Salad 265g
- Kitchen Green Goddess Salad 300g
IGA and independent grocers also recalled these Community Co products:
- Aussie Salad Mix 110g
- Fine Cut Stir Fry 335g
- Baby Leaf Salad Mix 260g
- Leaf Mix 160g
- Baby Spinach 100g
- Baby Spinach 260g
- Baby Spinach and Rocket 100g
- Garden Salad Bowl 180g
Figure 2: List of spinach based products recalled
Consumer Advisory
Coles has apologised for the inconvenience. The company stated that microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed. Coles urged customers to seek medical advice if concerned about their health.
Coles released an updated statement days after the initial recall. The statement clarified that affected items sold between March 20 and March 29 are included. The use-by dates extend up to and including April 9, 2025.
Metcash Limited Australasia, the parent company of IGA, also issued a list of recalled items. The company stated that the list might be updated as investigations progress.
Public Health Surveillance
Authorities have intensified public health surveillance following the detection. Dr. Melody emphasised the need for caution. “Food products contaminated with STEC may cause illness if consumed,” she said.
Retailers across Australia have joined the recall effort. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and check their purchased products. Authorities continue to investigate the contamination source.
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Customer Support
Coles urged customers not to consume any of the recalled products. Those affected can return items to the point of purchase for a refund. Coles Online customers should contact Coles Online Customer Care for assistance.
Health authorities recommend disposing of recalled products if returning them is not possible. Consumers should stay updated on new developments as investigations continue.
Supermarket companies have committed to updating the recall list if more contaminated products are identified. Retailers remain proactive in ensuring public safety.
