Warning on Dole Pre-Packaged Salad Mix
Netlore Archive: Email flier warns of lettuce and spinach in Dole pre-packaged salad mixes contaminated with e coli bacteria
Description: Email flier
Circulating since: May 2006
Status: True
Analysis: See below
Email example contributed by Charlotte V., 26 June 2006:
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Subject: Bagged Salad Mix Warning MSNBC Dateline did a documentary on cut-up lettuce and spinach packaged in plastic bags. They took us through the whole process and talked about how the E-coli bacteria is now showing up in the salad mix in bags. They don't know yet how the Ecoli got in, but they do know that serious sicknesses are occurring in many states. They warned us not to buy any bag salads until they find out from the investigation what is causing this contamination.
The Dole Company has recalled their bags. |
Email example contributed by Holly P., 1 June 2006:
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Subject: FDA Warning For all you salad eaters...pass this along... Subject: FDA Issues Nationwide Health Alert on Dole Pre-Packaged Salads Did you watch Dateline on Sunday evening?. They did a documentary on cut-up lettuce and spinach in plastic bags. They took us through the whole process and talked about Ecoli now that is showing up in the salad mix in bags. They don't know yet how the Ecoli got in, but they do know deaths and serious sicknesses are occurring in many states. One woman told about how her child was near death from the lettuce and was sick for a long time. They warned us not to buy any until they find out from investigation what is causing this. The Dole Company has recalled their bags. Read the article for details |
Comments: True, though it should be noted that the incident reported above occurred in late 2005. The email examples refer to an April 30, 2006 segment of "Dateline NBC" recounting how 11-year-old Amber Brister of Minneapolis became violently ill after eating Dole brand pre-packaged salad mix contaminated with a particularly toxic strain of E. coli bacteria. As a result of this and at least 17 similar incidents reported in Minneapolis in October 2005, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a nationwide health alert and Dole Food COmpany Inc. recalled batches of Classic Romaine, American Blend, and Greener Selection salad mixes implicated in the outbreak. Cases were also reported in Oregon and Wisconsin.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, E. Coli 0157:H7 contamination is responsible for 73,000 cases of foodborne infection and 61 deaths per year in the United States. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Though the pathogen is most commonly associated with undercooked ground beef, the health agency warns that it can also be transmitted by contaminated fruits, leafy green vegetables, and water. Contrary to popular belief, the presence of E. coli bacteria cannot be detected by sight or smell.
Consumers can help limit their own exposure to E. coli contamination by thoroughly washing all produce (including "ready-to-eat" pre-packaged greens), monitoring expiration dates, and keeping salads refrigerated until they are served.
More: How to Prevent E. Coli Infections
Sources and further reading:
Dole Settles E. Coli Lawsuits
Monterey County Herald, 15 June 2006Unseen Danger in Bagged Salads
NBC News, 30 April 2006Dole Pre-Packaged Salads Recalled for E. Coli
Associated Press, 3 October 2005FDA Issues Nationwide Health Alert on Dole Pre-Packaged Salads
FDA press release, 2 October 2005E. Coli 0157:H7
General info on Escherichia coli O157:H7 foodborne illness from the Centers for Disease ControlPreventing E. Coli Infections
From About Pediatrics
Last updated: 07/05/06
