Which bacterium caused the 2006 U.S. recall of fresh spinach?

E. coli O157:H7 caused the 2006 U.S. recall of fresh spinach after a nationwide outbreak of illness.

The outbreak was linked to contaminated raw spinach sold in bags and other fresh forms. Public-health agencies advised consumers not to eat packaged fresh spinach while investigators traced the contamination. Hundreds of people became ill, and some developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication.

E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli. It can cause severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea, although symptoms vary. The organism is different from Salmonella and Listeria, two other bacteria frequently associated with food recalls.

The 2006 event led to increased attention on agricultural water, field sanitation, processing, and traceability for leafy greens.