By NewsDesk   @bactiman63

Federal and state public health and regulatory officials in the US and Canada report investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kit.

Image/CDC

The outbreak consists of eight E. coli O157:H7 infections in three states: Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Three people have been hospitalized, including one person who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported

Canada has reported 16 people infected with the same strain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the investigation is ongoing to determine what ingredient in the salad kit was contaminated.

Romaine lettuce is one of the ingredients in the salad kit, but we do not know yet if this outbreak is related to a current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, growing region. Preliminary information indicates that romaine lettuce in the salad kits eaten by some of the sick people likely came from the Salinas growing region.

CDC’s advice to consumers, retailers, and restaurants:

  • Do not eat, sell, or serve Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits with this identifying information:
    • UPC 0 71279 30906 4, beginning with lot code Z, and a best-before date up to and including 07DEC19.
    • This information is printed on the front of the bag in the top right corner.
    • Retailers and restaurants should not sell or serve this salad kit.

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