Overview
- PHAC has declared an outbreak with 20 lab‑confirmed E. coli O26 cases across Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick, including four hospitalizations and no reported deaths.
- The national recall targets specific pepperoni and bacon Pizza Pops in 760 g, 2.85 kg and 3 kg sizes, plus a 380 g FRANK’s RedHot variety, with best‑before codes in mid‑June 2026.
- CFIA says the action was triggered by outbreak findings and warns contaminated products may appear normal, advising consumers to discard or return recalled items and to sanitize any surfaces they contacted.
- Food‑safety experts note freezing preserves bacteria and microwaves can heat unevenly, meaning these products may not reach the 71 C internal temperature needed to kill E. coli if not cooked properly.
- General Mills says the recall is voluntary and limited to the listed items, while CFIA and PHAC continue tracing and testing and caution that further updates or product removals may follow.