E.Coli Outbreak in Ontario, New Brunswick & Nova Scotia: Probable Source is Lettuce Distributed by FreshPoint Inc.

This video presents “Preventing the Spread of Ecoli”:

Ontario confirms that 10 cases of E. coli in Ontario are linked to the outbreak of E.coli O157:H7 cases in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia:

Most probable source of these illnesses is lettuce distributed by FreshPoint Inc. primarily to some KFC and KFC-Taco Bell restaurants

As lettuce has a short shelf life, it is believed the product is no longer available, however:
- the investigation is ongoing
- additional cases may be identified in connection with this outbreak

As an added precaution, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is working with FreshPoint Inc. to recall any remaining affected products from these KFC and KFC-Taco Bell restaurants

New Brunswick has reported six cases of the infection, Nova Scotia has had 10
- Read it on Global News: Global News | Nova Scotia health official traces source of E. coli outbreak to lettuce

Did you know…?

Symptoms of E. coli illness include stomach cramps and diarrhea (possibly bloody) and vomiting

E. coli illness sometimes leads to a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure:
- Children are at particular risk of developing HUS

People typically become ill two to five days, and sometimes longer, after eating contaminated food

Ontario identifies approximately 229 cases of E. coli each year

Please click here to learn more about E. coli.

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario, Canada

Ontario Confirms 10 Cases of E. Coli O157:H7

January 11, 2013

Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robin Williams has confirmed that 10 cases of E. coli in Ontario are linked to the outbreak of E.coli O157:H7 cases in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the latest evidence indicates that the most probable source of these illnesses is lettuce distributed by FreshPoint Inc. primarily to some KFC and KFC-Taco Bell restaurants.

As lettuce has a short shelf life, it is believed the product is no longer available, however the investigation is ongoing and additional cases may be identified in connection with this outbreak. As an added precaution, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is working with FreshPoint Inc. to recall any remaining affected products from these restaurants.

The ministry continues to work with its federal and provincial counterparts and Public Health Ontario to protect the health of the public and investigate reports of illness for any possible links to this outbreak.

QUICK FACTS

Symptoms of E. coli illness include stomach cramps and diarrhea (possibly bloody) and vomiting.
E. coli illness sometimes leads to a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure. Children are at particular risk of developing HUS.
People typically become ill two to five days, and sometimes longer, after eating contaminated food.
Ontario identifies approximately 229 cases of E. coli each year.

LEARN MORE

QUOTES

“The current investigation into the outbreak of E.coli O157:H7 serves as an important reminder to Ontarians to seek medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms compatible with E. coli, including severe cramps, abdominal pain and diarrhea – possibly bloody.”
— Dr. Robin Williams, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health