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This week, the spinach was disappearing from supermarket shelves faster than free candy on Halloween.

What was the cause? Producers and supermarkets were throwing pre packaged spinach due to an outbreak of E. coli.

Whos' Affected?

As of this writing, the outbreak of E. coli in bagged fresh spinach has spread to 19 states. The spinach in question is the new type of pre-packaged at grocery stores. They are also at risk is the spinach salad mixed containers, and fresh spinach served in restaurants.

The Spinach is believed to have come from California and contaminated in the field before packaging according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been previous exposure of spinach and lettuce grown in California.

The outbreak has caused 102 people who become ill, 16 of whom experienced kidney failure and death of this writing, a lady of 77 years in Wisconsin, who died renal failure. Wisconsin is one third of the reported cases. Other states reporting cases are California, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming, according to the CDC.

What Should You as a consumer?

First, you may want to consider the release of any pre-packaged fresh spinach or away, regardless of the state in which we live

Second, the CDC says to boil the spinach can kill the E. coli, but thorough washing will not eliminate the bacteria.

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of mammals. In reality it is a beneficial bacteria and important in the process tract.

However, there is a strain of E. coli realease a toxin that can make people sick and in some cases, as in the very young, elderly or those with weak immune systems, can cause death. The germ is present in raw meat, unpasteurized milk and juice, and raw vegetables and lettuce.

The strain is believed that the culprit is the latter cases is E. coli 0157: H7 – a potentially deadly bacteria that causes bloody diarrhea and dehydration.

What are the symptoms?

E. coli can cause dehydration, severe abdominal cramps, often bloody diarrhea and kidney failure.

Many People are going to exceed that of E. coli in 10 days. However, if you suspect may have been contaminated, you should visit your doctor for further testing. In some cases, especially with small children and elderly, who may need to be hospitalized for kidney failure.

Until this latest scare is over and affected all product was found and removed, I think the exchange of spinach in my salad for something else. The sad thing for those of us who love fresh salads is that E. coli can contaminate other foods such as lettuce leaves.

At this time, a Hershey bar looks like a safe (although the diet-busting) alternative!

Donald Lawson is the Webmaster at The Biggest Loser Forums. A website dedicated to the weight loss community and those battling obesity. You can find informative articles, weight loss tools and diet planning by going to The Biggest Loser Forums. While there, sign up to become a Charter member on the Forums. Also, browse the 50 Weight Loss & Dieting Tips for information on helping you remain on track to reach your weight loss goal.

Omar Abu-Ismail from Living Cuisine on Utah’s Fox13