Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning consumers about a multi-state outbreak of E. coli infections linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kits. So far, eight people from three states have been infected with the strain responsible for the outbreak.

This outbreak is caused by a different strain of E. coli than the other current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California growing region. That outbreak has caused over 100 reported cases of infection.

The CDC is still investigating and trying to determine whether the two E. coli outbreaks are somehow related. Initial information suggests that the romaine lettuce in the Sunflower Crisp kits likely came from the Salinas growing region, where the first outbreak originated.

Consumers, retailers, and restaurants should not sell or consume any of the Sunflower Crisp salad kits with a best-before date of December 7, 2019 or earlier. The CDC warns that the affected packages will also have the identification code UPC 0 71279 30906 4, and a lot code beginning with Z. The lot code is located on the top right corner of the front of the bag.

The CDC is urging anyone with this product to throw it away immediately. The agency also recommends washing and sanitizing any refrigerator shelves or drawers where the product was stored. For more information, the complete food safety alert can be viewed on the CDC’s website