Romaine lettuce packs recalled over E. coli fear
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned on Thursday about bagged salad products from Ready Pac Food Inc. containing romaine lettuce that is possibly contaminated with E. coli.
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.
The recall was initiated after USDA testers discovered some contamination of the product.
A list of affected products and photos are available here.
The recalled products were distributed to retail locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
WebMD writes that symptoms of E. coli infections include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
"Some people do not notice any symptoms. Children are more likely than adults to have symptoms. Symptoms usually start 3 or 4 days after you come in contact with the E. coli. Most people get better in about a week. They often don't see a doctor and don't know that E. coli caused their problems," WebMd writes.
Thus far, no illnesses have been associated with the recalled romaine lettuce.
The CDPH recommends consumers discard the product or return them to the place of purchase.
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.