Wegman’s Cauliflower Recall Issued Over E. Coli Risk
A number of different cauliflower products sold at Wegman’s grocery stores are being recalled, due to a risk that they may be contaminated with E. coli, which could result in food poisoning.
The Wegman’s cauliflower recall was announced on December 18, following a warning from the packaging company that the cauliflower could have become contaminated with a strain of E. coli. No illnesses have been reported.
Products impacted include Wegmans Cauliflower Rice sold in one pound packages with UPC code 25313500000, Cauliflower Rice sold in 8 ounce packages with UPC code 25307200000, Stir Fry Blend with cauliflower in one pound packages with UPC code 25335800000, and Wegmans Veggie Cauliflower Rice Blend sold by the pound with UPC code 253162000000.
The recalled Wegman’s cauliflower was distributed to 98 stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts, from December 7, 2018 through December 18, 2018.
E. coli is a foodborne bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and animals and can become pathogenic causing severe bowel pain and diarrhea when exposed outside of the human intestinal tract. The bacteria are commonly transmitted through contaminated water or food, or through contact with animals and infected persons.
Typically, E. coli symptoms cause mild to severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps, bloody stools, and sometimes minor fevers lasting between five and 10 days. Individuals such as young children or the sick and elderly may be affected more because of a weakened immune system that if left untreated could develop into Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which could lead to kidney failure and even death.
Most of the time, E. coli infections can be treated without the use of antibiotics by remaining hydrated and properly nourished. However, depending on the patient’s condition the use of antibiotics may be necessary to prevent further spread through the blood stream and the prevention of HUS.
Customers are being asked to stop consuming the products immediately and to either discard the packages or return them to their store of purchase for a full refund.
Wegmans announced it has placed automated phone calls to customers who purchased the recalled products using their Shoppers Club card data. Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall should contact Wegmans Consumer Affairs department at 1-855-934-3663.