CFIA announces recall for these organic microgreens due to possible E.coli contamination

Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a food recall in Ontario and Quebec for organic microgreens from two brands due to pathogenic E. coli.

According to the recall notice posted Friday, Kyan Culture brand and Farm Boy brand organic microgreens are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible contamination.

The recall triggered by the company listed the following as the affected products:

• Farm Boy Organic Broccoli Microgreens, 65 g with UPC 8 50863 00030 9 and all best before dates up to and including May 22, 2026
• Farm Boy Organic Mild Mix Microgreens, 65 g with UPC 8 50863 00032 3 and all best before dates up to and including May 19, 2026
• Farm Boy Organic Spring Mix Microgreens, 65 g with UPC 8 50863 00039 2 and all best before dates up to and including May 19, 2026
• Kyan Culture Organic Microgreens – Broccoli, 65 g with UPC 8 50863 00004 0 and all best before dates up to and including May 19, 2026
• Kyan Culture Organic Microgreens - Mild Mix, 65 g with all best before dates up to and including May 19, 2026
• Kyan Culture Organic Microgreens - Spring Mix, 65 g with UPC 8 50863 00028 6 and all best before dates up to and including May 19, 2026

“Food contaminated with pathogenic E. coli may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” the recall notice warns. “Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea.”

“In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.”

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the consumption of these products, so far.

The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products, and is verifying that industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace.

Consumers are advised to check if they have the recalled products, and not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute them if they do.

The federal agency has advised that the recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

Customers are also advised to contact their health-care provider if they are showing signs of sickness from consuming a recalled product.

Earlier this month, Germina brand Brocoli Calabrese seeds were recalled in Ontario and Quebec for possible pathogenic E. coli contamination.