Pizza Pops linked to 'foodborne illness outbreak' recalled across Canada

If you're looking forward to popping a Pillsbury Pizza Pop in the microwave for lunch, you may want to check if it’s part of an urgent recall first.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a national recall for certain Pillsbury Pizza Pop flavours on Sunday.

According to the notice, the affected products are being recalled by parent company General Mills Canada Corporation due to possible E. coli O26 contamination.

"Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products," advises the CFIA.

The agency says the recall was triggered by findings during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.

"There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products," it states.

According to the recall notice, food contaminated with E. coli O26 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make people sick.

Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps, and watery to bloody diarrhea. Severe cases could cause seizures or strokes, the need for blood transfusions and kidney dialysis, permanent kidney damage, or even death.

The affected products include:

• Pillsbury Pizza Pops Pepperoni + Bacon — 30 pizza snacks (2.85 kg)
  • UPC: 0 69052 12961 9
  • Codes: Better If Used By 09JN2026WN; 10JN2026WN
• Pillsbury Pizza Pops Supremo Extreme Pepperoni + Bacon — 30 pizza snacks (3 kg)
  • UPC: 0 69052 46901 2
  • Codes: Better If Used By 10JN2026WN; 11JN2026WN; 12JN2026WN
• Pillsbury Pizza Pops Pepperoni + Bacon — Eight pizza snacks (760 g)
  • UPC: 0 69052 12967 1
  • Codes: Better If Used By 09JN2026WN; 10JN2026WN

What you should do if you have affected Pillsbury Pizza Pops

According to the CFIA, Canadians who think they may have the contaminated product should check the codes above to confirm.

"If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider," reads the notice. "Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased."

Besides grocery stores, the CFIA says the affected Pillsbury Pizza Pops may have been served at hotels, restaurants and other institutions.

This is a Class 1 recall, which means there is a high risk that consuming the food may lead to serious health problems or death.

To learn more, check out the recall notice.