E. coli Recall Expands: Over a Dozen Pizza Pops Products Affected

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced an expansion of an E. coli recall affecting Pillsbury brand Pizza Pops. This recall was initiated due to concerns regarding contamination with E. coli O26.

E. coli Recall Expands: Affected Products

The recall now includes various flavors of Pizza Pops, totaling approximately a dozen products. The affected items and their details are as follows:

• Pizza Pops 3 Cheese: Available in 380 g and 2.85 kg packages, UPC codes 0 69052 12952 7 and 0 69052 12958 9; expiration dates of June 15, 2026, and June 16, 2026.
• Pizza Pops Pepperoni: Available in 380 g and 2.85 kg packages, UPC codes 0 69052 12953 4 and 0 69052 12962 6; expiration dates of June 16, 2026, and June 17, 2026.
• Pizza Pops Supremo Extreme Pepperoni + Bacon: Available in 3 kg packages, UPC code 0 69052 46901 2; expiration dates of June 17, 2026, and June 18, 2026.
• Pizza Pops Pepperoni + Bacon: Available in 380 g and 2.85 kg packages, UPC codes 0 69052 12948 0 and 0 69052 12961 9; expiration dates of June 18, 2026, and June 19, 2026.
• Pizza Pops 3 Meat: Available in 380 g packages, UPC code 0 69052 12955 8; expiration dates of June 19, 2026, June 20, 2026, or June 21, 2026.
• Pizza Pops Deluxe: Available in 380 g, 760 g, and 2.85 kg packages, UPC codes 0 69052 12966 4, 0 69052 12949 7, and 0 69052 13288 6; expiration dates of June 8, 2026, June 9, 2026, June 14, 2026, or June 15, 2026.

Health Risks and Recommendations

The CFIA is actively removing all implicated products from store shelves and storage facilities nationwide. Consumers who have purchased the recalled Pizza Pops should refrain from consuming them. Instead, they are advised to discard the items or return them to the place of purchase.

Health symptoms associated with E. coli O26 contamination include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. In severe cases, this strain of E. coli can lead to serious complications, such as seizures, strokes, permanent kidney damage, and even death.

Recent reports indicate that there have been 23 cases of illness linked to these Pizza Pops, resulting in five hospitalizations. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths associated with this outbreak.

Consumer Action

Canadians are urged to verify if they possess any of the recalled products. If these items are found, they should not be consumed, served, or distributed. For those experiencing symptoms after consuming the affected products, contacting a healthcare provider is crucial.

The CFIA emphasizes that food contaminated with E. coli O26 may appear and smell normal, but it poses significant health risks when ingested. Keeping up with health advisories and acting promptly can help ensure consumer safety.