Tejal Somvanshi
Multiple Fresh Salad Co products sold at Aldi stores in Queensland and Northern New South Wales have been recalled after testing positive for dangerous E. coli bacteria. Health officials warn that eating these products could lead to serious illness.
Products Being Recalled
The affected products include:
- Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach 120g (Use by March 28)
- Fresh Salad Co Fresh & Fast Stir Fry 400g (Use by March 27)
- Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach & Rocket 120g (Use by March 27)
- Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach 280g (Use by March 30)
These items were available at Aldi stores throughout Queensland and several Northern NSW locations including Tweed Heads South, Ballina, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Casino, Toormina, Armidale, Byron Bay, Goonellabah, Tweed Mall, and Moonee Beach.
Health Risks
The products contain Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), which can cause severe symptoms including:
- Diarrhea that may have blood in it
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mild fever
“STEC can produce severe illness in children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system. Some people can develop liver failure and other conditions which require hospitalization,” said Edward McCartney of Food Safety Plus. “Infected people can spread the illness for up to 3 weeks. It’s a nasty bacteria.”
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What Consumers Should Do
Food Standards Australia New Zealand advises consumers who have purchased these products to:
- Not consume the products under any circumstances
- Return them to any Aldi store for a full refund
- Seek medical advice if you’re concerned about your health
For more information, consumers can contact Aldi directly at 1800 709 993.
Food safety authorities and Aldi are working to address the contamination. The recall was issued on March 25, 2025, and consumers should stay alert for any updates regarding affected products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Four Fresh Salad Co products sold at Aldi are being recalled:
- Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach 120g (Use by March 28)
- Fresh Salad Co Fresh & Fast Stir Fry 400g (Use by March 27)
- Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach & Rocket 120g (Use by March 27)
- Fresh Salad Co Baby Spinach 280g (Use by March 30)
The recall only affects products sold in Queensland and certain Northern NSW stores.
The products have been found to contain Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness. STEC infection can lead to symptoms including diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and mild fever. In severe cases, especially among children under five, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, it can lead to more serious complications including a rare kidney condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
If you’ve purchased any of the affected products:
- Do not eat the product
- Return it to any Aldi store for a full refund
- If you’ve already consumed the product and are concerned about your health, seek medical advice
This recall affects you if:
- You purchased any of the four Fresh Salad Co products listed in the recall
- You bought them from an Aldi store in Queensland or specific Northern NSW locations (Tweed Heads South, Ballina, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Casino, Toormina, Armidale, Byron Bay, Goonellabah, Tweed Mall, or Moonee Beach)
- The products have the specific use-by dates mentioned in the recall notice
Check your refrigerator for these specific products and dates.
If you’ve consumed these products, watch for symptoms that typically appear 3-4 days after exposure (though they can appear as early as 1 day or as late as 10 days):
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea, which may become bloody
- Vomiting
- Mild fever
Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe, if you notice blood in your stool, or if symptoms persist for more than 3 days. Children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems should seek medical advice promptly if any symptoms develop.
For more information about this recall, you can contact:
- Aldi customer service directly at 1800 709 993
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand website for updates
- Your healthcare provider if you have health concerns after consuming these products
