Federal officials are telling Canadians to avoid eating a certain brand of salad because of concerns about possible E.coli contamination.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall on Sunday for the Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit. The recall affects the 315-gram package, which was sold in Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. It covers packages with best before dates up to and including December 7, 2019. The packages have a lot code that begins with "Z" and lists Salinas as a source for the Romaine lettuce used in the salad mix.
The CFIA says the salad kits are likely no longer on store shelves, but may be in the homes of some consumers. The recall comes amid an ongoing investigation into E.coli infections that have been found in five provinces.
"Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits has been identified as a likely source of the outbreak," the CFIA said. "Many of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits before their illnesses occurred. The investigation is ongoing, and it is possible that additional sources could be identified."
Anyone who has a Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit in their fridge is being told to throw it out or return it to the store where it was purchased.
According to the CFIA, food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis, or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.