The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for specific microgreen products sold in Ontario and Quebec due to potential E. coli contamination. The recall, announced May 16, 2026, impacts various brands and package sizes, urging consumers to verify the affected products and take appropriate measures.
E. coli, a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness, poses a significant health risk, particularly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, young children, and the elderly. Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure.
The CFIA is conducting a thorough investigation into the source of the contamination and working with the implicated companies to remove the affected products from the marketplace. Consumers who have purchased the recalled microgreens are advised to dispose of them immediately or return them to the place of purchase. It is also recommended that consumers who have consumed the recalled products and are experiencing symptoms consult a healthcare professional. The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.
The CFIA emphasizes the importance of safe food handling practices to prevent foodborne illnesses. This includes washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, and cooking food to the appropriate internal temperature. Canadians can stay informed about food recalls and safety alerts by visiting the CFIA website or subscribing to their email notification service.
