Glass Onion Catering of California is recalling 181,620 pounds of ready-to-eat salads and sandwich wrap products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. A cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses was reported beginning on October 29, 2013. FDA notified USDA on November 6, 2013 that authorities in California reported ill persons who consumed packaged salads made with grilled fully cooked chicken. The products were sold under the brand names Trader Joe’s, Delish, Atherstone Fine Foods, Super Fresh Foods, and Lunch Spot.
The California Department of Public Health, the Washington State Department of Health, and the Arizona Department of Health Services along with FSIS found there is a link between the grilled chicken salads and the sick people. Twenty-six people in three states are sick with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 as determined by lab tests and PFGE. Illness onset dates range from September 29, 2013 to October 26, 2013. A traceback investigation found that Glass Onion Catering was the supplier of the contaminated products.
The products were made between September 23 and November 6, 2013. The retail distribution list will be available at the USDA web site soon. The recalled products were shipped to distribution centers for retail sale in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. You can see pictures of all of the labels of the recalled products at the FSIS web site.
The recalled products include these Delish brands: 12 ounce packages of Pan Pacific Chop Salad, 9.9 ounce packages of Uncured Applewood Smoked Ham & Cheese Wrap, 10.9 ounce packages of Southwestern Chicken Wrap, 11.5 ounce packages of Greek Brand Low Calorie Grilled Chicken Wrap, 11.2 ounce packages of Asian Style Chicken Wrap, 9.9 ounce packages of White Chicken Club Wrap, 13.4 ounce packages of California Style Grilled Chicken Salad, and 10.5 ounce packages of Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap.
Atherstone Fine Foods products recalled include: 10.4 ounce packages of Southwestern Style White Chicken Wrap with Chimichurri Sauce, 9.9 ounce packages of Grilled White Chicken Caesar Wrap with Caesar Dressing, and 10.5 ounce packages of Asian Style White Chicken Wrap with Mango Vinaigrette.
Super Fresh Foods brands recalled include: 9.2 ounce packages of Pan Pacific Chopped Chicken Salad, Ginger Soy Dressing and 10.7 ounce packages of California Grilled Chicken Salad, Low Fat Mendocinoo Mustard Dressing. Also recalled are Lunch Spot Southwestern Style Chicken Wrap, Chili & Lime Dressing in 10.7 ounce packages, along with 10.7 ounce containers of Trader Joe’s Field Fresh Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken and Trader Joe’s Mexicali Salad with Chili Lime Chicken in 11 ounce packages.
It is unusual to find E. coli O1257:H7 in poultry products. FSIS is working with other federal, state, and local agencies on this investigation. USDA is concerned that some of these products may be in consumers’ refrigerators. Please check your fridge to see if you have any of these products; if you do, discard them in a sealed container or return to the place of purchase for a refund.
The symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection include diarrhea that may be bloody, along with severe abdominal cramps. Most people recover within a week, but some develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of HUS include easy bruising, decreased urine output, and pallor. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
