RECALL: Popular frozen food recalled in Canada over E. coli

A popular frozen food item sold across Canada has been recalled after testing raised concerns about potential E. coli O26 contamination, according to federal food safety officials.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the recall affects several varieties of Pillsbury Pizza Pops which were distributed nationwide in multiple package sizes.

Some 20 people have been made sick and four hospitalized after an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to the products

The agency says those who became ill range in age from 1 to 87 and live in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick.

The agency says people who are infected with E. coli bacteria can spread it to others several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don’t have symptoms.

General Mills has said that it is a voluntary recall and other Pillsbury Pizza Pops products are not affected.

Consumers are being advised not to eat, serve, sell, or distribute the affected products. Anyone who has already purchased them should dispose of the items or return them to the retailer where they were bought.

The recalled products include:

Pillsbury Pizza Pops Pepperoni + Bacon (30 count size)

Pillsbury Pizza Pops Supremo Extreme Pepperoni + Bacon (30 count size)

Pillsbury Pizza Pops Pepperoni + Bacon (8 count size)

Pillsbury Pizza Pops FRANK’s RedHot Pepperoni + Bacon (4 count size)

Food contaminated with E. coli O26 may not show signs of spoilage, but it can still cause illness. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, which in some cases may be bloody. Severe infections can lead to serious health complications, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The CFIA says the recall was initiated as part of a food safety investigation and that steps are being taken to remove the affected products from store shelves.

Anyone who believes they may have become ill after consuming the recalled items is advised to contact a health care provider.