Supermarkets warned of more than 11 self-branded products, following previous recalls by Woolworths and Costco
Coles has recalled 11 of its own branded spinach products as fears of contamination of fresh produce in Australia grow.
On Saturday the supermarket announced a product recall as a precautionary measure as health authorities had advised that some spinach was "potentially contaminated with unsafe plant material".
On Friday, Woolworths recalled two salads for the same reason.
Coles said the affected products had been sold in all states and territories other than Western Australia and Tasmania since December 8 and had a use-by date between December 17 and December 23. It urged consumers not to eat the spinach because it could cause illness, and said they could return it to any Coles store for a full refund. Aldi has also recalled a 450g package of its co-branded The Fresh Salad Fresh & Fast Stir Fry, using -on dates up to and including December 24 from the Victoria store. NSW Health said it was working with other jurisdictions to investigate.
As of Friday evening, 47 people in NSW had reported symptoms after eating baby spinach, at least 17 of whom sought medical help.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) said in a statement on Saturday it was working through the supply chain with relevant jurisdictions to ensure other affected products could be identified.
"Any consumer concerned about their health should seek medical advice, and refer to their local state health authority," he said.
Top vegetable industry body Ausveg is advising consumers to comply with the recall, but not to avoid other spinach products.
"The health and safety of our consumers is a top priority for our industry, so we urge consumers to follow the advice from the recall notices and to seek medical assistance if you have concerns about your health," said its chief executive, Michael Coote. in a statement.
"Australian consumers can trust all the spinach and other leaf salad products currently available for sale on retail shelves, unaffected by the recall."
The Woolworths products recalled are chicken cobb salad with a use-by date of December 20 and Woolworths chickpea falafel with a use-by date of December 20 and 22, which were sold in stores in Victoria, NSW, ACT and Tasmania.
"Woolworths has initiated a recall due to potential contamination with unsafe plant material," the company said in a statement late on Friday.
"Food products containing unsafe plant ingredients can cause illness if consumed." Earlier on Friday an emergency recall was issued for packaged baby spinach after dozens of people reported worrying symptoms from eating the contaminated product. It is unclear whether the recalls are related.
Authorities believe the first product identified, Riviera Farms brand baby spinach, may have been contaminated accidentally, causing people to experience possible toxic reactions including hallucinations and delirium.
The Riviera recall includes bags of spinach sold through Costco in NSW, Victoria and the ACT with use-by dates from December 16 to and including December 28.
Authorities have warned the product is unsafe for consumption and that people who still have it at home should throw it away.
The company said it will continue to work closely with health and food regulators as the investigation continues.
"Riviera Farms has been in the business of providing fresh food since the 1880s and we are sad to confirm that we have likely experienced our first significant incident of contamination," he said.
Customers concerned about exposure to spinach should call the poison information center on 131 126 while anyone experiencing unusual and severe symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.