Dole brand Hearts Delight lettuce salad, from the USA, ready to eat blend of romaine, green leaf & butter lettuce hearts could be tainted with E. coli O157:H7, warns the CIFA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency). The agency says the packs are presented in 227 g packages bearing UPC 0 71430 01038 9, BIUB (Best If Used By) date 07SE19; the product also has a lot code A24924B.
The agency warns that this particular product has been supplied throughout Canada. So far, there are no reports of humans becoming ill after consuming the said lettuce, says the CIFA.
The CIFA informs that food tainted with E. Coli might look and smell fine. However, there is a risk of serious illness if somebody becomes infected with this type of bacteria. Symptoms can include severe stomachache and bloody diarrhea. In some cases a patient may develop seizures and even strokes, while others may require blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. There have been cases of patients living with permanent kidney damage – in more severe cases the infection can become life-threatening.
The CIFA says it is liaising with the importers of the potentially tainted lettuce and trying to get all products removed from shelves.
— E. coli O157:H7 Food Safety Facts – Preventing foodborne illness
— Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CIFA)
— Dole fresh vegetables announces voluntary recall of “Dole Hearts Delight” packaged salads – From Dole Web site
Written by: Christian Nordqvist