E. Coli Recall Affects Salad Sold In NC By Walmart, Target, Sam's

NORTH CAROLINA— A New Jersey company has recalled nearly 100,000 pounds of salad, some of it distributed to North Carolina retailers, because it may be contaminated with E.coli, federal inspectors announced Thursday.

The recall includes various ready-made salads sold under store brands from Walmart, Target, Aldi, Sam's Club, Domino's Pizza and others. A full list of affected products can be found here.
Missa Bay LLC has recalled 97,272 pounds of salad products that contain meat or poultry because the lettuce ingredient may be contaminated with E.coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service said.

The products, some of which tested positive for E.coli O157:H7, were produced between Oct. 14 and 16.

Federal food safety investigators said it's likely that more salad will be impacted by this recall; residents in the impacted states should watch for updates.

In addition to North Carolina, the products were shipped to Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Federal food safety inspectors are concerned that some product may still be in distribution centers, restaurants or institutional refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants and institutions that have purchased these products are urged not to serve them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

People infected with STEC 0157:H7 develop diarrhea and vomiting. "Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended," according to federal authorities.

Most people recover within a week but a more severe infection is possible.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, Hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, is uncommon with STEC 0157:H7 infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output.

Anyone experiencing those symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately, authorities advise.

By Kara Seymour, Patch Staff