Salad Kit Warning: E. Coli Outbreak Hospitalizes Six, One Illness Leads To Kidney Failure

Just weeks after a warning was issued by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for romaine lettuce because it was contaminated with E. coli, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued a warning to consumers to stop eating Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits after an E. coli outbreak has infected eight people in three states.

According to the CDC, three people have been hospitalized because of the E. coli outbreak linked to the salad kits. One person has also developed hemolytic uremic syndrome - a type of kidney failure. The CDC said no deaths have been reported, stemming from the affected salad kits, but did say that information collected to date indicates that the salad kits are “likely” the source of the E. coli outbreak.

The CDC is continuing its investigation into the outbreak that has affected both the U.S. and Canada as to what ingredient in the salad kits is contaminated with E. coli and has not ruled out romaine lettuce as an affected ingredient. A previous recall was issued for romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, growing region that was also contaminated with E. coli.

The affected salad kits have a UPC code of 0 71279 30906 4 and a lot code that starts with Z. The salad kits also have a best before date up to and including 07DEC19 located on the front of the bag in the top right corner.

Consumers are urged to throw away the affected salad kits and sanitize drawers and shelves in refrigerators where the salad was kept.

Individuals that have E. coli symptoms, such as dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, should see their healthcare provider and report their illness to their local health department.