The latest update from the Public Health Agency of Canada reveals a fifth individual has been hospitalized due to an E. coli outbreak associated with recalled Pillsbury brand Pizza Pops. A total of 23 people across seven provinces fell ill with the bacterial infection after consuming specific varieties of the frozen snack between early October and late November.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency initiated a recall of various pepperoni and bacon Pizza Pops following the discovery of E. coli contamination, prompting an ongoing investigation. The impacted provinces now include Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Health officials caution that for every reported E. coli case, there may be approximately 32 additional unreported cases within the community. Symptoms of E. coli infection can range from nausea, vomiting, and headaches to severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. While most individuals recover within a few days without medical intervention, vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe complications.
The affected Pizza Pops variants include Pepperoni + Bacon, Supremo Extreme Pepperoni + Bacon, and FRANK’s RedHot Pepperoni + Bacon, all with best before dates in June 2026.
Expert insights from Lawrence Goodridge, a professor and Canada Research Chair specializing in foodborne pathogen dynamics at the University of Guelph, highlight that freezing halts bacterial growth but does not eradicate it. Therefore, if cross-contamination occurred or there was a lapse in sanitation during production, the freezer could preserve the bacteria. Goodridge also explains that E. coli may survive microwaving due to uneven heating, with cold spots allowing the bacteria to persist. Additionally, variations in microwave power and performance over time result in inconsistent heating outcomes when preparing Pizza Pops.
For more information on this ongoing E. coli outbreak related to Pillsbury Pizza Pops, please refer to the source link provided.