A growing health crisis is unfolding across Canada, linked to a seemingly innocent snack: Pizza Pops. Now, a fifth individual has been hospitalized, raising the alarm over a widespread E. coli outbreak connected to the popular frozen treat.
The outbreak, first identified just days ago, has already sickened 23 people nationwide. The culprit? Specific varieties of Pizza Pops – those containing pepperoni and bacon – are under urgent warning from health officials.
The affected products include multiple varieties: Pepperoni and Bacon, Pepperoni + Bacon (in both 8 and 30-count boxes), Supremo Extreme Pepperoni + Bacon, and even the Frank’s RedHot flavour Pepperoni + Bacon Pizza Pops. All carry a best-before date of June 2026, making identification crucial for consumers.
The geographical spread of the illness is concerning, with the majority of cases concentrated in western Canada. Alberta leads with nine reported illnesses, followed by Saskatchewan with five, Manitoba with two, and British Columbia with three.
Eastern Canada hasn’t been spared, with two cases in Ontario and single cases reported in both New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported to date, but the situation remains serious.
What’s particularly alarming is that simply cooking the Pizza Pops doesn’t guarantee safety. Illnesses have been reported both from direct handling of the product *and* from consuming it, even when it appears and smells normal. This makes vigilance paramount.
The E. coli strain responsible, identified as 026, is particularly dangerous. It produces Shiga toxins, which aggressively damage blood vessels in the intestinal tract. This strain is commonly found in the fecal matter of both cattle and swine, highlighting a potential source of contamination.
Symptoms of infection are unpleasant and can be severe, ranging from nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps to diarrhea – which can be watery or, alarmingly, bloody. These symptoms demand immediate medical attention, especially for vulnerable populations.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of severe complications from this E. coli infection. Their bodies are less equipped to fight off the toxins and recover from the damage.
While General Mills Foods, the parent company of Pillsbury, assures consumers that other Pizza Pop varieties are unaffected, the current recall underscores the importance of careful food safety practices and staying informed about potential health risks.
