OTTAWA, July 22, 2009 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume certain Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The affected product, Tanimura & Antle Romaine Lettuce, product of the United States of America, was shipped in cartons of 6, 12, or 24 lettuces, bearing an orange sticker on the carton only with lot code 531380. Individual lettuce is sold unwrapped in bulk, unwrapped with a Tanimura & Antle (T & A) logo rubber band, or wrapped in transparent plastic film. There is no lot code sticker on the individual lettuce.
This product is known to have been sold at the following stores, and may have been sold nationally by other independent retailers.
As there is no lot code sticker on the individual lettuce, consumers are advised to check with their retailer to determine if they have affected product.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.
Importers are voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
For information on Salmonella, visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/salmonellae.shtml
For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.
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Media enquiries:
CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600
