FDA identifies Natural Selection Foods as source of E. coli outbreak

There has been a recent outbreak of E. Coli across the United States linked to bagged Spinach. The U.S. FDA has identified "Natual Selection Foods, LLC as the source of the E. Coli outbreak.

Pizza Fusion ONLY uses Newman's Own Organics and Earthbound Farms for our salads and spinach toppings. Regardless, once the outbreak was first reported, we at Pizza Fusion IMMEDIATELY disposed of all products that may be infected as a precautionary measure. We will NOT have Spinach, Baby Spinach Salad or Fusion Spring Mix available until further notice.

Your Health is our ONLY priority!


A statement from Charles Sweat, COO Natural Selection Foods



SAN JUAN BAUTISTA; CALIF; September 15, 2006: After consulting with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Department of Health Services (CDHS), we have voluntarily initiated this recall. This is a proactive step, taken as a precaution, to protect the health and safety of our customers. While neither the FDA nor the CDHS have yet determined the source of the e coli problem, we believe that recalling all spinach product packed in our facilities is the right thing to do. The FDA has said that they are looking at the entire industry and we will continue to do our part in their investigation.

Quality and food safety have been the centerpiece of our business and we pride ourselves on the high standards we have set and the great care we take in the handling of all the product that comes through our facilities.

With over twenty years of experience packing fresh produce we have built a track record that is unmatched by others in the industry. Our commitment to food safety means implementing a series of stringent measures:

Facility Sanitation
Our facility undergoes a thorough sanitation program every day. We provide thorough training in Good Manufacturing Practices, which govern strict sanitation protocols and standards.

Independent Monitoring
A Quality Assurance Supervisor oversees every shift; he or she continually monitors chlorine levels of our water, the temperatures of our packing plant, and the quality of our products and water. We participate in the USDA's Qualified Through Verification (QTV) program. As a part of the QTV program, USDA auditors review records, observe and interview employees, conduct preoperation
sanitation inspections, and follow a specialized Systems Audit Checklist to confirm that the company is following its QTV plan. As an added safeguard, our products and equipment are tested for bacteria by an independent certified lab.

We will continue to work with the government and our partners in the fresh cut produce industry to learn what we can about the source of this current problem.Consumers who need additional information about the recall should call 888-736-2840.


FDA Investigation; Packaged Fresh Spinach Recall

A statement from Natural Selection Foods, LLC.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA; CALIF; September 15, 2006: We are aware of reports of illnesses in multiple states nationwide including one death, possibly related to e coli contamination in fresh spinach. We have been working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) to try to understand the scope and locate the source of any contamination.

In an effort to minimize risk and afford the maximum possible protection to consumers, the FDA and CDHS have recommended that fresh spinach that is currently in the market be recalled. We have decided to voluntarily recall all of the products which contain spinach in all the brands we pack with “Best if Used by Dates” of August 17th through October 1st. Brands include: Dole, Natural Selection Foods, Pride of San Juan, Earthbound Farm, Bellissima, Rave Spinach, Emeril, Sysco, O Organic, Fresh Point, River Ranch, Superior, Nature’s Basket, Pro-Mark, Compliments, Trader Joe’s, Ready Pac, Jansal Valley, Cheney Brothers, Coastline, D’Arrigo Brothers, Green Harvest, Mann, Mills Family Farm, Premium Fresh, Snoboy, The Farmer’s Market, Tanimura & Antle, President’s Choice, Cross Valley, Riverside Farms. Products include spinach and any salad with spinach in a blend, both retail and foodservice products. Products that do not contain spinach are not part of this recall. We are working with the FDA and CDHS to offer consumers the greatest possible protection with the limited information available.

Products were distributed within the United States nationwide, Canada and Mexico. No illnesses have been reported to date outside of the U.S.

E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. If consumers are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact should be made with their local health provider.

The health and safety of those who consume our products is our top priority today and every day. We remain absolutely committed to providing a safe, nutritious product to all of our customers and we will continue to work with the FDA and CDHS on their ongoing investigation. Consumers requesting additional information may contact Natural Selection Foods at 888-736-2840.

Consumers with any of the products described above should dispose of the products.