The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning consumers not to eat Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit because it is linked to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in that country. This product is not likely available at retail stores, but some consumers may have it in their homes.
The recalled product is Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit, sold in 315 gram packages. The UPC number on the product is 0 71279 30906 4. All packages bearing a Best Before date up to and including 07DE19, and a lot code beginning with “Z”, and indicating “Salinas” as a source of Romaine lettuce. This product was sold in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.
The recall was triggered by CFIA findings during an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. At least 16 people in 5 provinces are ill. Many of those patients said they ate Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad kit before they got sick. Other products may be recalled as the government’s investigation continues.
There is a large multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the United States that is linked to romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California region. We do not know if this new outbreak is linked to the U.S. outbreak.
If you have this product in your home, do not eat it. Throw it away in a secure garbage can, or take it back to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
Clean out the refrigerator where you stored the product with a mild bleach solution. And wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning and after handling this product.
