<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>341443</docID> <postdate>2025-03-30 07:29:59</postdate> <headline>Contamination fears: supermarkets pull popular products</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-341445" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/coles-recall.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="420" /></p> <caption>Pre-packaged spinach has been recalled from Coles supermarkets.Photo: Coles</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">Five supermarket chains have pulled dozens of products from their shelves, warning customers of a potential health risk.</span></p> <p><strong>Coles has pulled more than a dozen products from its shelves across much of Australia and is urging customers to seek medical advice if they have consumed the items and feel unwell.</strong></p> <p>The pre-packed spinach was included in 17 items sold across Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, NSW and the ACT, as well as some products in South Australia and the Northern Territory.</p> <p>Woolworths, Aldi and Metcash Australia, which runs IGA and Drakes supermarkets, have also issued recalls in recent days.</p> <p>The Coles salad products, with use-by dates up to and including April 9, might contain microbial contamination.</p> <p>Symptoms include abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, fever and vomiting.</p> <p>"Customers should not eat these products," Coles said in a statement.</p> <p>"Food products with microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed.</p> <p>"Any customers concerned about their health should seek medical advice."</p> <p>The Coles products were sold between Thursday, March 20, and Saturday, March 29.</p> <p>Customers can return the products for a full refund.</p> <p>"We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience," the major retailer said.</p> <p>The recalled products include pre-packaged spinach, stir fry and salad mixes, as well as ready-to-eat bowls and snacks.</p> <p>Food standards authorities also advise products affected by microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed.</p> </body>