Dole Announces Recall for Organic Romaine Hearts Due to E. coli contamination
Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. has announced a voluntary recall for two products contains Organic Romaine Hearts due to potential E. coli contamination. Although the vegetable is past its expiration date, Dole issued the recall out of an abundance of caution after a randomly selected package of Dole™ Organic Romaine Hearts yielded a positive result for pathogenic non-O157 E.coli STEC. The recall was issued for Dole™ Organic Romaine Hearts 3pk with UPC 0-71430-90061-1), combined English/French packaging, with “Harvested-On” dates of 10-23-20 and 10-26-20, and Wild Harvest Organic Romaine Hearts with UPC 7-11535-50201-2, with “Harvested-On” dates of 10-23-20 and 10-26-20. Both products have a “Use-by” date of November 8, 2020, with UPC code 0 7127930104 4, and Product Code S296. The recalled products we are distributed in the following states: AZ, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND and VA.
No illnesses have been reported as of date due to the Romaine Hearts. Customers who have purchased the contaminated vegetable are urged not to consume it; rather they can return it to the store of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions regarding the recall can contact Dole Customer Center at 1-800-356-3111, which is available 24/7.
According to the CDC, there are approximately 265,000 STEC infections per year in the United States. E. coli is a bacteria found in the digestive tract of both humans and adults, and while the majority of E. Coli strands are harmless, a few select strands can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. According to Romaine E coli Lawyer Ron Simon, these dangerous strands are known as Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC). These E. Coli infections in humans come through consumption of food or water that contains feces, and in some situations, thorough physical contact with a source that contains the bacteria. Symptoms of an STEC infection typically present three to four days after infection, though some patients have reported symptoms beginning over a week after consumption. The majority of patients with a STEC infection report symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue. If you believe you are suffering from a STEC infection, contact your physician immediately.
