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Contamination fears: supermarkets pull popular products

Pre-packaged spinach has been recalled from Coles supermarkets. (HANDOUT/Coles Group)

Coles has pulled more than a dozen products from its shelves across much of Australia and is urging customers to seek medical advice if they have consumed the items and feel unwell.

The pre-packed spinach was included in 17 items sold across Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, NSW and the ACT, as well as some products in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Woolworths, Aldi and Metcash Australia, which runs IGA and Drakes supermarkets, have also issued recalls in recent days.

Coles signage at a supermarket in Melbourne
Customers can return the recalled products to Coles for a full refund. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

The Coles salad products, with use-by dates up to and including April 9, might contain microbial contamination.

Symptoms include abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, fever and vomiting.

"Customers should not eat these products," Coles said in a statement. 

"Food products with microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed. 

"Any customers concerned about their health should seek medical advice."

The Coles products were sold between Thursday, March 20, and Saturday, March 29.

Customers can return the products for a full refund.

"We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience," the major retailer said.

 The recalled products include pre-packaged spinach, stir fry and salad mixes, as well as ready-to-eat bowls and snacks.

Food standards authorities also advise products affected by microbial contamination may cause illness if consumed.

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