From the Food and Drug Administration December 9, 2019
Recommendation
FDA, CDC, U.S. state health authorities and Canadian federal partners are investigating an outbreak of illnesses in the U.S. and Canada caused by E. coli O157:H7. Epidemiologic information indicates that Fresh Express BB #:115030 brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits are a likely source of this outbreak.
Consumers:
Consumers should not eat Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits with UPC 0 71279 30906 4, beginning with lot code Z, and a best before date up to and including 07DEC19.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has also issued this guidance to consumers in Canada.
Restaurants and Retailers:
Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits with UPC 0 71279 30906 4, beginning with lot code Z, and a best before date up to and including 07DEC19.
Suppliers and Distributors:
Suppliers, distributors and others in the supply chain should not ship or sell Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits with UPC 0 71279 30906 4, beginning with lot code Z, and a best before date up to and including 07DEC19.
Background
According to the CDC, as of December 9, 2019, eight people infected with this outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from three states. The case patients report that illnesses started on dates ranging from November 5, 2019 to November 15, 2019. This outbreak strain found in case patients is different from the outbreak strain of the larger E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to romaine from the Salinas, California growing region.
Preliminary information indicates that the romaine lettuce in the salad kits eaten by some sick people may have contained romaine from the Salinas growing region, though the romaine and other ingredients in the kit may have come from another growing region as well.
Authorities are investigating the source of the ingredients in the kits and are trying to determine which ingredient may have been contaminated.
Further information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 8
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: November 15, 2019
States with Cases: MN (4), ND (1), WI (3)
