USA TODAY - A bacterial strain of E. coli linked to a California company has forced the recall of more than 90 tons of prepackaged salads and sandwiches, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.
Glass Onion Catering in Richmond, Calif., is recalling approximately 181,620 pounds of ready-to-eat salads and sandwich-wrap products with fully cooked chicken and ham that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said. The products have been linked to 26 ill patients in three states, the USDA said.
A full list of recalled products, some packaged under the name Atherstone Fine Foods, is available onFood and Drug Administration's website.
The products were produced between Sept. 23 and Nov. 6 and shipped to distributions centers intended for retail sale in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington, the USDA said. Many of the products are sold by Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Walgreens, the FDA said.
USDA was notified by the Food and Drug Administration on Nov. 6 that California authorities had reported issues consuming pre-packaged salads with grilled chicken. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FDA and state authorities have linked the E. coli strain to 26 patients in three states.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure. Children under 5 and elderly adults are most at risk. The condition is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output, the USDA said.
