E. coli Suspected in 23 State Recall

 Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio, is recalling romaine lettuce sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands because of a possible link to the E. coli outbreak. Freshway Foods said the lettuce was sold to wholesalers, food service outlets, in-store salad bars and delis. Among those affected are college students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Ohio State in Columbus and Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y.

The recalled lettuce has a "best if used by" date of May 12 or earlier. The recall also affects "grab and go" salads sold at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets and Marsh grocery stores. The lettuce was sold in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

E. coli infection can cause mild diarrhea or more severe complications, including kidney damage. There have been three patients diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause bleeding in the brain or kidneys. CDC has stated that the strain linked to the lettuce, E. coli 0145, is more difficult to identify and not as common as E. coli 0157 strain.

To help protect your brand and customers make sure you are washing your produce in a natural food wash to help reduce E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella bacteria. For more information on our Perishable Food Wash or any of our other products or services please email me at Mhreed@GatewayProClean.com or visit our website, www.GatewayProClean.com.