Nationwide Salad Recall: Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metcash Pull Fresh Salad Products Over E. coli Contamination

March 29, 2025 Australia

A significant food safety alert has been issued as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metcash have recalled multiple fresh salad products due to possible Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) contamination. These products were distributed across multiple supermarket chains and independent retailers in various states, posing a serious health risk to consumers.

Reason for the Recall

The recall has been initiated due to the potential presence of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), a harmful strain of bacteria that can cause severe illness. Consumption of contaminated food may lead to:

  1. Severe abdominal cramps
  2. Diarrhea, which may be bloody
  3. Nausea and vomiting
  4. Fever and dehydration
  5. In severe cases, STEC infection may cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. HUS primarily affects young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

List of Affected Products and Retailers

Coles (Queensland and Northern New South Wales)

Coles Various Mixed Salad Leaves Product images.png

Coles Supermarkets Australia has recalled the following products, which were available at Coles Supermarkets, Coles Local stores, and through Coles Online in Queensland and Northern New South Wales:

  • Coles Spinach (60g and 280g) – Use by: March 27, 2025, and March 28, 2025
  • Coles Family Mix Stir Fry (400g) – Use by: March 27, 2025
  • Coles Spinach & Kale (300g) – Use by: March 27, 2025
  • Coles Spinach & Rocket (120g) – Use by: March 28, 2025
  • Coles Beetslaw (320g) – Use by: March 27, 2025

Consumers who purchased these products should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Coles Online customers can receive a refund or credit by contacting Coles Online Customer Care at 1800 455 400.

For further information, consumers can contact Coles Customer Care at 1800 061 562.

Woolworths (Queensland and Northern New South Wales)

woolworths various fresh cut salad products.png

Woolworths Supermarkets has recalled a range of fresh cut salad products due to the same microbiological contamination risk. These products were available for purchase in Woolworths Supermarkets, Woolworths Metro stores, and through Woolworths Online in Queensland and Northern New South Wales:

  • Woolworths Mixed Leaf (120g) – Use by: March 26, 2025
  • Woolworths Cook Stir Fry Kit with Teriyaki Sauce (400g) – Use by: March 26, 2025, and March 27, 2025
  • Woolworths Cook Stir Fry Mix Rainbow Vegetables (400g) – Use by: March 26, 2025, and March 27, 2025
  • Woolworths Kale & Spinach (300g) – Use by: March 26, 2025
  • Woolworths Spinach & Rocket (120g and 60g) – Use by: March 26, 2025
  • Woolworths Spinach (60g and 280g) – Use by: March 26, 2025, March 27, 2025, March 30, 2025, and March 31, 2025
  • Woolworths Honey Mustard Salad Kit (285g) – Use by: March 26, 2025, and March 27, 2025

Consumers should not eat these products and should return them to Woolworths for a full refund.

For further details, consumers can contact Woolworths Customer Service at 1800 103 515 or visit www.woolworths.com.au.

Metcash (Sold at IGA & Drakes – ACT, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Queensland)

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Metcash Trading Limited Australasia has issued a recall for the following products, which were sold at independent retailers including IGA and Drakes stores in multiple states:

  • 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 (100g and 260g)
  • Community Co Baby Spinach & Rocket (100g)
  • Community Co Garden Salad Bowl (180g)

All use by dates up to and including April 9, 2025, are affected by the recall.

Consumers are advised not to eat these products and return them to the store for a full refund.

For more information, consumers can contact Metcash Consumer Support at 1300 366 004 or email consumersupport@metcashfg.com.

ALDI (Queensland and Northern New South Wales)

Aldi Spinach Recall Update Image.png

ALDI Stores Pty Ltd has recalled the following Fresh Salad Co. baby spinach and mixed salad products sold at ALDI stores in Queensland and some stores in Northern New South Wales:

  • Baby Spinach (120g and 280g)
  • Fresh & Fast Stir Fry
  • Baby Spinach & Rocket
  • Salad Leaf Mix (120g and 300g)
  • Baby Leaf Salad Blend (300g)

All use by dates up to and including April 9, 2025, are included in this recall.

Consumers should return these products to ALDI for a full refund.

For more information, consumers can contact the ALDI Food Recall Hotline at 1800 709 993.

Health Risks and Consumer Actions

Food products contaminated with Shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC) pose a serious health risk, particularly for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Anyone who has consumed these products and experiences symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain should seek medical attention immediately.

Consumers should not consume any of the affected products and should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Regulatory authorities continue to investigate the situation, and updates will be provided as necessary. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and discard any affected products to prevent potential illness.

Source:https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-recalls/recall-alert