Canadians are getting sick from popular Pillsbury Pizza Pop flavours
Canadians might want to think twice about snacking on Pillsbury Pizza Pops.
On Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued a notice about an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to Pillsbury Pizza Pops.
“E. coli infections are bacterial illnesses that can affect anyone exposed to a contaminated food product,” reads the notice.
“Many people who became sick reported eating or handling Pillsbury brand Pizza Pops. The investigation is ongoing, and it is possible that additional sources may be identified.”
CFIA
According to the notice, there are 23 illnesses across Canada linked to the popular snack. Here are the numbers of sick Canadians broken down by province:
- British Columbia (three)
- Alberta (nine)
- Saskatchewan (five)
- Manitoba (two)
- Ontario (two)
- New Brunswick (one)
- Newfoundland and Labrador (one)
PHAC reports five hospitalizations and zero deaths. The age range of affected Canadians is one to 87, and 52 per cent of people who have fallen ill identify as female.
This urgent notice comes after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a nationwide recall for popular Pillsbury Pizza Pop flavours on Dec. 21.
According to the notice, the affected products were recalled by parent company General Mills Canada Corporation due to possible E. coli O26 contamination.
“Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products,” advised the CFIA.
The agency said the recall was triggered by findings during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.
According to the recall notice, food contaminated with E. coli O26 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make people sick.
Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps, and watery to bloody diarrhea. Severe cases could cause seizures or strokes, the need for blood transfusions and kidney dialysis, permanent kidney damage, or even death.
The affected products include:
- Pepperoni + Bacon (30 pizza snacks)
- Pepperoni + Bacon (eight pizza snacks)
- Supremo Extreme Pepperoni + Bacon (30 pizza snacks)
- FRANK’s RedHot Pepperoni + Bacon (four pizza snacks)
CFIA
To learn more about how to check if you have any of the impacted products, check out Daily Hive’s guide.
“People who are infected with E. coli bacteria can spread the bacteria to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don’t have symptoms,” states PHAC.
The agency advises Canadians to do the following to protect their health:
- Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment by looking for the specific product name and size, UPC and codes in the recall alert
- Do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products
- Throw out or return recalled products to the place of purchase. Consumers or establishments who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled products are advised to contact their retailer or supplier where the products were purchased
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces and storage areas that recalled products may have come in contact with, including countertops, containers, utensils, freezers, and refrigerators.
- Do not cook food for other people if you’ve been diagnosed with an E. coli infection or have symptoms of infection, such as diarrhea
- Contact your health care provider if you think you’re experiencing symptoms of E. coli
PHAC also shared how to properly handle frozen foods like Pillsbury Pizza Pops:
- Some frozen foods are not ready-to-eat products. They must be cooked thoroughly before they are safe to eat. Always follow the cooking instructions on the packaging
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling frozen food that is not ready to eat
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces that touched the frozen food or its packaging, such as countertops, containers, utensils, freezers, and refrigerators