E.coli case recorded in Northern Health, three in British Columbia

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Three cases of e.coli have been reported across B.C. amid a recall on Pillsbury’s Pizza Pops. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a food recall on December 21st due to possible e.coli contamination in multiple Pizza Pops products. 

Heather Amos, a communications and engagement manager at the BC Centre for Disease Control, told Energeticcity.ca the Northern Health, Interior Health and Island Health authorities have each reported a case of e.coli in British Columbia.

So far, 20 cases have been recorded across Canada; three in British Columbia; nine in Alberta; five in Saskatchewan; two in Ontario and one in New Brunswick. 

The agency reported the investigation is ongoing, and there have been four hospitalizations and no deaths as of December 22nd. 

Symptoms for e.coli include nausea, vomiting, headaches to mild fever, severe stomach cramps and watery or bloody diarrhea. 

The symptoms end within 5 to 10 days, with most people recovering on their own.

Some people with serious illness may require hospital care and may lead to long-lasting health effects or death. 

For this outbreak, the reporting period is between 15 and 32 days after illness onset. 

The agency asks the public not to consume, serve, use, sell or distribute the recalled product. 

Additionally, the agency advises the public to clean and sanitize all surfaces and storage areas that recalled products may have come in contact with, including countertops, utensils, freezers and refrigerators. 

People are asked to throw out or return recalled products to the place of purchase. 

The public is asked to contact local health care providers if they are experiencing e.coli symptoms. 

A full list of recalled products can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.