The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of foodborne illness caused by E. coli 0157.
An ongoing multi-state outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 that began July 20, 2007 has been associated with frozen pepperoni pizza produced by the General Mills Company under the brand names of Totino’s or Jeno’s.
As of November 1, 2007, illness related to the frozen pizzas had been reported in 21 people in 10 different states: Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
At least 8 people have been hospitalized and 4 of these developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure most often seen in children infected with E. coli 0157. Most people who become ill after ingesting food or water contaminated with E. coli 0157 develop abdominal cramps and severe bloody diarrhea 2-8 days following ingestion, and recover within 5-10 days. However, the very young and the very old are at increased risk for severe illness.
The source of contamination for the pizzas is currently unknown. General Mills has announced a voluntary recall of the products and has stopped shipment of all frozen pizza products until the source of contamination has been identified.
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