Lancaster Foods, LLC, of Jessup, Md., has voluntarily recalled Krisp-Pak Ready to Eat Hydro-Cooled Fresh Spinach after tests by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in product samples.

The spinach is sold in 10-ounce packages with the code: “Best Enjoyed By: 23 Jun 10, Product of USA, 10/158/09:17/1/05.” The recall extends to products sold in North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia.

“Consumers who have this product should throw the contents of the bag away and contact the Lancaster Foods’ toll-free consumer line for additional information,” said Dan Ragan, director of the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division. “Listeria is particularly dangerous to persons with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.”

Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division found the bacteria through routine product sampling. Inspectors collected the product from a Farm Fresh store in Elizabeth City. No illnesses associated with this product have been reported.

Lancaster Foods, LLC is cooperating with state and federal authorities to determine the cause of the problem.

In a press release issued today by the company, consumers who may have potentially affected product are asked to empty the contents of the package into your garbage, save the package, and contact a Lancaster Foods, LLC consumer representative toll-free at (800) 247-8125.