E. Coli Risk Triggers Recall of Pepperoni and Bacon Pizza Pops

A nationwide recall has been issued for certain pepperoni and bacon Pizza Pops that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has linked to an E. coli outbreak. Canadian Food Inspection Agency photo

Four types of Pillsbury brand pizza pops are being recalled across Canada after being linked to a current E. coli outbreak.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced the Class 1 recall in a Dec. 21 advisory, saying illnesses have been reported after the consumption of Pizza Pops pepperoni and bacon pizza snacks.

Class 1 represents the highest level within the three-tier classification system, indicating a significant risk that consumption of the tainted food could result in severe health issues or even death.

“The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O26 contamination,” the agency said in its alert. “This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.”

The affected Pizza Pops pepperoni and bacon pizza snacks are packaged in 760 gram and 2.85 kilogram sizes, with best-before dates of June 9 and 10, 2026, the agency said.

The recall also includes Pizza Pops Supremo Extreme pepperoni and bacon snacks in three-kilogram boxes with best-before dates ranging from June 10 to June 12, and Pizza Pops Frank’s RedHot Pepperoni and Bacon available in 380-gram packages with a best-before date of June 14.

General Mills said in a statement that it is voluntarily recalling the products and other Pillsbury Pizza Pops products have not been affected.

The CFIA said it is verifying that all recalled products have been removed from the marketplace and is warning against the consumption or distribution of the recalled items.

A recall has been issued for certain pepperoni and bacon Pizza Pops due to the risk of E. coli contamination. (Canadian Food Inspection Agency photo)

E. Coli Dangers

Food that is contaminated with strains of Escherichia coli, commonly referred to as E. coli, can lead to an infection known as food poisoning or E. coli gastroenteritis.

Some people infected with E. coli exhibit no symptoms at all while others may experience nausea and vomiting, headache, mild fever, severe stomach cramps, and watery or bloody diarrhea, Health Canada said. Symptoms usually manifest within one to 10 days after exposure and typically subside within a five to 10-day period.

Most people fully recover at home, but those who fall seriously ill require hospitalization, the agency’s website says. In rare cases, some may experience life-threatening symptoms such as stroke, kidney failure, and seizures.

This type of food poisoning poses the greatest risk to pregnant women, the elderly, children younger than five, and those with compromised immune systems, Health Canada said.

“While most people recover completely, others may suffer permanent health effects, like kidney damage,” the agency said. “If you think you have an E. coli infection, see your health-care provider.”