6 Canadians fall ill from E.coli contamination linked to romaine lettuce

May 11 2018, 12:01 am

Health Canada says that six Canadians have fallen ill due to a strain of E.coli that is linked to romaine lettuce from the Yuma growing regions in the US.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), two of the six individuals who became sick reported travelling to the US before falling ill. Three individuals became sick in Canada.

“Based on the ongoing US outbreak investigation, and the information provided by individuals who became sick, the likely source of the outbreak in Canada is romaine lettuce,” said PHAC, in a statement.

The six illnesses were reported in four provinces: British Columbia (1), Alberta (1), Saskatchewan (2), and Ontario (2).

PHAC says the individuals became sick between late March and April 2018. One individual was hospitalized and there have been no deaths reported in Canada.

Among the six Canadian cases, most individuals who because sick said they ate the romaine lettuce at home or in prepared salads bought at grocery stores, restaurants, and fast food chains.

Two Canadians did report travelling to the US before getting sick and eating romaine lettuce while they were there.

“If it is determined that contaminated romaine lettuce is in the Canadian market, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will take the necessary steps to protect the public, including recalling the product as required,” said PHAC.

There are currently no food recall warnings linked to this outbreak.

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