Metz Fresh, a California spinach grower, recalled 8,000 cartons of fresh spinach this week after finding Salmonella in routine testing, prompting a debate on whether voluntary safety rules recently adopted by the California produce industry are working.

Metz Fresh, based in King City in the Salinas Valley, announced Aug 28 it was recalling spinach distributed under its own label in retail and food service packages. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the product, the company said.

The recall covers 10- and 16-ounce bags, 4-pound cartons, and cartons containing four 2.5-pound bags, all with the tracking codes 12208114, 12208214, or 12208314. The spinach was distributed in the continental United States and Canada. The company encouraged consumers to discard the packages or return them to the store for a refund. [Read more...]