American E. coli outbreak makes it way north of the border

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
News Release

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Ottawa - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is informing the public of its investigation into a possible food link between an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the United States (U.S.), two possible cases in Southern Ontario and chopped shredded iceberg lettuce from an exporter in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Community Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health issued separate public warnings concerning chopped shredded iceberg lettuce which may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Several illnesses with the same rare pattern of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported in both states, and the common link is believed to be bagged iceberg lettuce distributed to several institutions and restaurants by Detroit-based Aunt Mid's Produce Co. The distributor has voluntarily suspended distribution of all iceberg lettuce products.

Immediately after being notified of the possible link in the U.S., the CFIA initiated a food safety investigation. The CFIA is continuing to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (OMHLTC), local public health authorities and U.S. officials on the investigation. CFIA has contacted all known importers and the trace back of products is nearing completion.

This iceberg lettuce was imported into Ontario for use in restaurants and institutions. Two illnesses with the same PFGE pattern of E. coli as the U.S. outbreak have been confirmed in Ontario.

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