SACRAMENTO -- Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned people not to consume bagged salad products from Ready Pac Food Inc. because of romaine lettuce possibly contaminated with E coli O157:H7. No illnesses have been associated with the recalled product.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection may include abdominal cramps and diarrhea which is often bloody. Most infected people recover within a week; however, some may develop complications that require hospitalization. Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which includes kidney failure.

The voluntarily recalled romaine lettuce is packaged in 9 oz., 9.25 oz., 10 oz., 10.25 oz., and 16 oz. bags under the Ready Pac, Trader Joe’s, Safeway and Dining In Classic labels. Products have a Use by Date of November 18, 2011. A list of affected products and photos are available.

The recall was issued based on a positive finding of E.coli O157:H7 from a random surveillance sample of bagged lettuce collected and analyzed by the United States Department of Agriculture. The recalled romaine products were distributed to retail locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Consumers should discard the product or return them to the place of purchase.

People who develop symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection after consuming Ready Pac romaine lettuce should consult their health care provider.

Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report their findings to the CDPH toll free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.

California Department of Public Health
http://www.cdph.ca.go