CA Baby Spinach Recalled for Elevated Levels of Cadmium

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning consumers not to eat a specific lot of organicgirl brand baby spinach after CDPH-conducted tests found unacceptable levels of cadmium.  Recent chemical analysis of this specific lot code of baby spinach determined that the product contained 1.90 parts per million of cadmium, which is more than 10 times the average amount of cadmium found in spinach.  After being notified of the elevated level of cadmium, a heavy metal naturally occurring in some soils, organicgirl Produce LLC of Salinas, CA, initiated a voluntary recall of the organicgirl brand baby spinach. The recalled product has a “USE BY SEP 13” and a lot code of B030298-001B08S.  While there is no risk of acute illness from consumption of this level of cadmium, long-term consumption of elevated levels of cadmium may result in adverse effects on the kidneys, liver, and the immune system. The source of the cadmium has not been definitively determined; however, CDPH suspects that it was likely taken up by the plant from the soil during the growing process.  The recalled baby spinach was packaged in five-ounce plastic containers with labeling applied to the top and bottom of the package. Pictures of the recalled spinach can be found here.  Consumers in possession of the recalled spinach should discard it immediately.  (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)