A recall has been issued for a brand of broccoli microgreens in Ontario and Quebec due to concerns about potential contamination with pathogenic E. coli. The recall affects 50-gram packages of Les Fermes Lufa broccoli microgreens sold between April 20 and May 8, as announced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Despite this recall, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the affected product.
Following a voluntary recall notice from its seed supplier, Germina, on May 8, Les Fermes Lufa took immediate action by quarantining the remaining broccoli seeds and microgreens. The company also notified all 1,024 clients who purchased the microgreens within the specified timeframe via email. Les Fermes Lufa emphasized that their microgreens are exclusively distributed through their online Marketplace, enabling them to identify and notify all buyers promptly.
As an extra precaution, on May 8, Les Fermes Lufa sent samples of their remaining microgreens to an independent laboratory for pathogen testing, with all results returning negative. The CFIA advises consumers not to consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled product, as food contaminated with pathogenic E. coli may not exhibit visual or olfactory signs of spoilage but can still lead to illness. Symptoms of E. coli contamination can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and watery or bloody diarrhea.
In severe instances, individuals may experience seizures, strokes, necessitate blood transfusions or kidney dialysis, or sustain permanent kidney damage, with fatal outcomes in some cases. Consumers who suspect they may have fallen ill after consuming the affected product are encouraged to seek medical advice promptly.
