Baby spinach recall: Riviera Farms identify find toxic weed as thornapple, jimsonweed
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The TRUTH behind baby spinach crisis: Researchers identify mystery herb responsible for mass hallucinations in Australia
- Toxic Herb Identified as Cause of Poisoning in Baby Spinach at Riviera Farms
- Thornapple contaminated spinach, causing 200 reported poisonings
- Symptoms include delirium, hallucinations, a rapid heartbeat, and a flushed face.
- Recall issued on Riviera Farms products as supermarkets remove them from shelves
The outbreak of mass hallucinations and other symptoms of poisoning suffered by consumers of baby spinach products has been attributed to a toxic herb.
Riviera Farms says prickly apple, also known as jimson weed, got mixed into their crop.
Nearly 200 people, including many children, have reported symptoms after eating the baby spinach from the farm in recent weeks.
Toxic week thornapple (pictured), also known as jimsonweed, has been blamed for the outbreak of baby spinach poisonings
Hundreds of people reported symptoms of poisoning, including hallucinations and rapid heartbeat. Pictured is a stock image of spinach
A child in Queensland had to be admitted to hospital.
Costco, Woolworths, Coles and Aldi have pulled Riviera Farm products from their shelves and a recall has been issued.
“Investigations have not identified any other potential chemicals, herbicides or other types of contaminants,” a Riviera Farms spokesperson said.
No other produce on the farm has been affected, but nearby crops will be destroyed as a precaution.
VicHealth experts were involved in identifying the herb, which is poisonous to animals and people, particularly children.
Earlier this week, the main industry body, AUSVEG, urged Australians to continue supporting vegetable growers, saying the recall was limited to spinach from a single farm in Victoria.
Australians who consumed the products were told to watch for symptoms of poisoning.
These may include delirium or confusion, hallucinations, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, flushed face, blurred vision, and dry mouth and skin.
A child has been admitted to hospital due to spinach contamination (file image pictured)
Riviera Farms said it had contacted all of its 20 baby spinach customers to issue the recall.
However, they said their only major direct retail customer was Costco.
The national recall includes bags of spinach sold through Costco in NSW, Victoria and ACT with expiration dates from December 16 to December 28 inclusive.
Woolworths has recalled two salad products containing potentially contaminated spinach: Chickpea Falafel 290g (left) with expiration dates of December 20 and 22 and Chicken Cobb Salad (right) 270g with expiration dates of December 20. December
Customers concerned about exposure to spinach should call the Poison Information Center, while anyone experiencing unusual and severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.