News and Stories

At this time, this update does not apply to any Markon First Crop, Ready-Set-Serve, or Markon Essentials products. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), along with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada continue to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 that is linked to romaine lettuce. Since the original outbreak notice was issued, two additional provinces (Ontario and Nova Scotia) and nine additional cases have been added to this outbreak bringing the total case count to 30. One individual has died as a result of the illness. To date, no product recalls have been initiated nor have the illnesses been traced back to a supplier, brand or region. The CFIA is working with public health officials to determine the source of the romaine lettuce. This is an active and ongoing outbreak investigation.

What we know:

• To date, 30 people from 5 provinces, Ontario, (6), Quebec (5), New Brunswick (5), Nova Scotia (1), and Newfoundland and Labrador (13), have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. Coli O157
  • 12 of the ill persons have been hospitalized
  • One death has been reported 
• Illnesses occurred in November and December 2017 
• Individuals who became ill are between the ages of 4 and 80 
• The majority of the cases (70%) are female

Click here to review the PHAC public notice.

For more information about E. Coli and details on the ongoing outbreak and epidemiological information, please click here for the PHAC website.

Markon is closely following this outbreak investigation and will continue to update members when more information becomes available.

Lianna Kelly

Food Safety Director

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