The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Poppies Bakeries LLC, have announced a recall in Canada of Poppies-brand Mini Eclairs due to contamination with E. coli, a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes severe, foodborne illness in certain populations.
Background
No information has been released as to how the presence of E. coli in the affected product was discovered.
This is classified as a Class II recall, which means consuming the affected product could lead to a short-term or non-life threatening health condition.
Distribution
The recalled product was distributed to a retail audience in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario.
Product Details
- Brand – Poppies
- Product – Mini Eclairs
- Size – 455 grams
- UPC Code – 0 08563 95450 1
- Other Codes
- Best Before: 2026 AL 03
- L1L4024
Consumer Action
Consumers should search their homes for the recalled product.
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected product even if they look or smell safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled product is requested to not sell, serve, donate, or distribute them.
The affected product should be returned to the place of purchase or thrown away immediately.
Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface or utensils that have come into contact with the impacted product.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the CFIA by phone at 800-442-2342 toll free in either Canada or the United States or by email at [email protected].
Health Risks
The recall notice did not say if there have been any reports of injuries or illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled product. Any consumer who has come into contact with the impacted item, and is experiencing sickness or symptoms of food poisoning, should contact their medical provider immediately.
The majority of E. coli strains are not harmful and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut ecosystem by assisting in breaking down the food, contributing to the production of essential vitamins, and acting as a defense mechanism against more dangerous microorganisms.
However, not all E. coli are benign. Certain strains can cause a range of health issues in humans, including gastrointestinal distress resulting in diarrhea, infections of the urinary tract, respiratory ailments like pneumonia, and even severe systemic infections such as sepsis. Symptoms generally appear two to five days after exposure but can emerge anywhere from one to eight days later. Most people recover within 5-10 days.
Of particular concern, however, is the potential for some patients to develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure, neurological damage, and in extreme cases, death. This risk makes early medical intervention crucial for infected individuals.
