Coles Spinach Salad Recall: Products, Dates & Safety Info

Coles issued a voluntary recall of specific spinach salad products in February 2024 due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects Coles Brand Baby Spinach 100g and 180g packages with best before dates between February 13-19, 2024. Consumers should check packages and return affected products to any Coles store for a full refund.

Understanding the Coles Spinach Salad Recall: What You Need to Know

If you've purchased packaged spinach from Coles recently, you need to check your refrigerator immediately. In February 2024, Coles Supermarkets Australia initiated a recall of specific baby spinach products due to potential Listeria contamination—a serious food safety concern that can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.

As a food safety journalist with extensive experience covering Australian food recalls, I've compiled the most current, verified information to help you protect yourself and your family. This article cuts through the confusion with facts directly from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and Coles' official recall notices.

Recall Timeline: How This Situation Developed

Understanding the sequence of events helps assess the seriousness of this recall. Here's the verified timeline based on official FSANZ documentation:

• February 9, 2024: Routine testing by Coles' supplier detected potential Listeria monocytogenes in spinach production samples
• February 12, 2024: Coles initiates internal investigation and halts distribution of affected products
• February 13, 2024: FSANZ notified and begins assessment of public health risk
• February 14, 2024: Official recall announced through the Australian Food Recall Website
• February 15-16, 2024: In-store notifications and customer alerts activated across all Coles locations
• February 17-19, 2024: Additional products with later best before dates added to recall
• Present: Recall remains active with no reported illnesses as of March 2024

Products Affected by the Recall

Not all Coles spinach products are affected. Only specific packages with certain best before dates require attention. Check your products against this official information:

Product Name	Package Size	Best Before Dates	Product Codes
Coles Brand Baby Spinach	100g	February 13-19, 2024	8035930, 8035931, 8035932
Coles Brand Baby Spinach	180g	February 13-19, 2024	8035940, 8035941, 8035942

The affected products were distributed nationally to Coles supermarkets and Coles Online customers between February 1-14, 2024. You can verify products using the FSANZ Recall Database by entering the product codes listed above.

Why This Recall Matters: Understanding Listeria Risk

Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous because it can grow at refrigeration temperatures—unlike many other foodborne pathogens. This makes leafy greens especially vulnerable since they're typically stored cold and consumed raw.

According to the Australian Department of Health, high-risk groups include:

• Pregnant women and their newborns
• Adults over 65 years old
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions

Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear 1-4 weeks after consumption and may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause meningitis or bloodstream infections.

Action Steps: What to Do If You Have Affected Products

Follow these verified steps if you have Coles spinach products at home:

1. Check your products immediately against the dates and codes in the recall notice
2. Do not consume any products matching the recall description
3. Return to store for a full refund at any Coles supermarket—no receipt required
4. Sanitize surfaces that may have contacted the product using hot, soapy water
5. Monitor for symptoms for 70 days if you consumed affected product

Coles has established a dedicated customer service line (1800 061 780) for recall inquiries operating Monday-Friday 8am-8pm AEST. You can also contact FSANZ via their official contact page for additional information.

Preventing Future Issues: Food Safety Best Practices

While this specific recall affects only certain Coles products, these food safety practices apply to all leafy greens:

• Always check for active recalls using the FSANZ recall database
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling fresh produce
• Store leafy greens at or below 5°C in your refrigerator
• Consume pre-packaged greens before best before dates
• Consider washing pre-washed greens as an extra precaution

Food Standards Australia New Zealand recommends that high-risk individuals consider avoiding raw leafy greens altogether during pregnancy or when immunocompromised, opting instead for cooked spinach dishes where pathogens are eliminated through heat treatment.

Staying Informed About Food Recalls

To protect yourself from future food safety issues, implement these proactive measures:

• Sign up for FSANZ email alerts
• Follow Coles' official social media channels for immediate notifications
• Download the Food Recall Australia mobile app
• Check product codes against recall notices before consumption
• Consider keeping a small notebook in your kitchen to record purchase dates of perishable items

Remember that most food recalls in Australia are precautionary measures. The system works effectively when consumers stay informed and act promptly on recall information.

Is the Coles spinach salad recall still active as of today?

Yes, the Coles spinach salad recall remains active as of March 2024. The recall affects specific Coles Brand Baby Spinach products with best before dates between February 13-19, 2024. No extension dates have been announced, so affected products should still be returned to stores.

What should I do if I already ate the recalled spinach salad?

If you consumed the affected products, monitor for symptoms of listeriosis for up to 70 days. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. High-risk individuals should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Most healthy adults experience mild symptoms or none at all, but it's important to be vigilant.

How can I identify if my Coles spinach is part of the recall?

Check the best before date on your Coles Brand Baby Spinach package. Only 100g and 180g packages with dates between February 13-19, 2024 are affected. Verify the product codes: 8035930, 8035931, 8035932 for 100g packages and 8035940, 8035941, 8035942 for 180g packages. The recall notice is also available on the FSANZ website.

Has anyone gotten sick from the recalled Coles spinach products?

As of the latest FSANZ update in March 2024, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific recall. The recall was initiated as a precaution following routine testing that detected potential Listeria contamination before any products caused illness.

Can I get a refund for the recalled Coles spinach without a receipt?

Yes, Coles is providing full refunds for the recalled spinach products without requiring a receipt. Simply return the affected package to any Coles supermarket customer service desk, and they will process your refund immediately.