Outbreaks
KFC/Taco Bell E. coli Outbreak Linked to Lettuce
An E. coli O157:H7 outbreak among 30 Canadian residents in the eastern provinces of Ontario (13), Nova Scotia (10) and New Brunswick (7) was traced to iceberg lettuce grown in California and served at KFC/Taco Bell outlets in late December of 2012. At least one person remained hospitalized in mid-January of 2013 but was later released.E. coli outbreak victims typically experience severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea, which may become bloody. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a complication of E. coli infection that can lead to kidney failure and central nervous system impairment. A small percentage of E. coli outbreak victims develop HUS.
According to Nova Scotia's deputy chief medical officer, no problems with E. coli or contaminated produce had been found at KFC/Taco Bell outlets or at the restaurants' fresh produce supplier as of January 11, 2013.
