http://www.wsoctv.com/health/10000520/d ... 0110042006


FBI Searches Spinach Plants In E. coli Probe

POSTED: 2:31 pm EDT October 4, 2006
UPDATED: 2:51 pm EDT October 4, 2006

SALINAS, Calif. -- The FBI searched two spinach packaging companies Wednesday for evidence in the nationwide E. coli outbreak that sickened 192 people.

Agents from the FBI and the Food and Drug Administration used warrants to search the San Juan Bautista plant of Natural Selection Foods LLC and a Growers Express plant in Salinas to determine whether they followed food safety procedures.

Federal health officials said early in their investigation that deliberate contamination was not suspected.

"We are investigating allegations that certain spinach growers and distributors may not have taken all necessary or appropriate steps to ensure that their spinach was safe before they were placed into interstate commerce," U.S. Attorney Kevin Ryan said in a statement.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.