Fresh Spinach - Please Don't Get Me Started

I keep wondering who the genius in the FDA is who issued the decree that recommends that people avoid eating all fresh spinach. I live in Sonoma County, a good 100+ miles from Salinas where they bagged the E. coli infested spinach but still we are not allowed to eat fresh spinach. My farmer friend Larry of Triple T Ranch and Farm just plowed under his spinach to plant more lettuce. The cook at the Kaisier cafeteria in Santa Rosa where we installed a healthy salad bar is trying to figure out what to do with 6 pounds of baby spinach that she's been told not to serve. I said that I'd sit in the cafeteria and let people watch me eat it. Larry grew it and it is NOT contaminated. It is just fine.

What is wrong with people? We suggest eating 9 to 11 servings of veggies and fruits each day, yet we send out a blanket statement not to eat fresh spinach. What about saying, "Don't eat bagged spinach or suspect spinach"? If your spinach is locally grown and you know its source, eat it, please.

I was quoted in The Press Democrat on Saturday, September 23rd along with Larry of Triple T Ranch and Farm about this spinach issue.

Also please check out the website for Wake Up and Eat to read a bit more about the spinach scare.http://www.wakeupandeat.com/principles.htm and look at Principle number 9 -- Consider the Source. This book and DVD will be out in 2007 and I will keep you up to date on the progress with it.

In the meantime, please shop at the farmer's market and buy local when possible. It could save your life, or at least make you feel better about your choices.