Coles has announced the recall of over a dozen spinach products from supermarket shelves across Australia due to concerns over contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).

The recall affects spinach items sold between March 20 and March 29, with use-by dates extending up to and including April 9. The affected products were distributed in various regions including Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.

Customers have been advised not to consume the contaminated products, and Coles urged anyone with health concerns to seek medical advice.

In its statement, Coles expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to customers and informed that those affected can return the products for a full refund.

STEC, a pathogenic strain of E. coli, can result in serious gastrointestinal illness, commonly referred to as gastroenteritis.

Symptoms may include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and, in some cases, can lead to more serious health complications.

In addition to Coles, other major retailers, including Woolworths, Aldi, and Metcash Australia, which operates IGA and Drakes supermarkets, have also initiated product recalls in recent days, as concerns about spinach contamination have increased across the market.

The specific items being recalled by Coles include:
- Coles Spinach in sizes 60g, 120g, 280g, and 400g
- Coles Family Mix Stir Fry 400g
- Coles Spinach and Kale 300g
- Coles Spinach and Rocket in sizes 60g and 120g
- Coles Beetslaw 320g
- Coles 4 Leaf Blend 200g
- Coles 4 Leaf Mix 120g
- Coles Kitchen Pesto Risoni 190g
- Coles Kitchen Egg and Spinach 100g
- Coles Baby Leaf & Beet Blend 150g
- Coles Baby Leaf Blend 300g
- Coles Mixed Leaf Garden Salad 180g
- Coles Mediterranean Style Bowl 185g
- Coles Beetslaw Bowl 180g
- Coles Sweet Potato Superfood Bowl 180g
- Coles Roasted Pumpkin, Feta and Walnut Salad 265g
- Coles Kitchen Green Goddess Salad 300g

The following products were recalled by Metcash (IGA and independent grocers):
- Community Co Aussie Salad Mix 110g
- Community Co Fine Cut Stir Fry 335g
- Community Co Baby Leaf Salad Mix 260g
- Community Co Leaf Mix 160g
- Community Co Baby Spinach in sizes 100g and 260g
- Community Co Baby Spinach and Rocket 100g
- Community Co Garden Salad Bowl 180g

Woolworths issued its own recall for products that include:
- Woolworths Mixed Leaf 120g (use by date March 26)
- Woolworths Cook Stir Fry Kit with Teriyaki Sauce 400g (use by dates March 26 and 27)
- Woolworths Cook Stir Fry Mix Rainbow Vegetables 400g (use by dates March 26 and 27)
- Woolworths Kale & Spinach 300g (use by date March 26)
- Woolworths Spinach and Rocket in sizes 120g and 60g (use by date March 26)
- Woolworths Spinach in sizes 60g (use by dates March 26 and 27) and 280g (use by dates March 30 and 31)
- Woolworths Honey Mustard Salad Kit 285g (use by dates March 26 and 27).

This series of recalls underscores the ongoing vigilance required in food safety practices amid heightened public health concerns.