Quick Read
- General Mills has expanded its recall of Pillsbury Pizza Pops in Canada due to E. coli O26 contamination.
- The recall now includes 11 varieties and sizes, with ‘better if used by’ dates ranging from June 8 to June 21, 2026.
- As of January 25, 2026, 23 confirmed E. coli O26 cases have been reported across seven provinces, leading to five hospitalizations.
- Symptoms include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea; high-risk groups face complications like kidney failure.
- Consumers are advised to dispose of recalled products or return them for a refund and seek medical attention if ill.
TORONTO (Azat TV) – General Mills has significantly expanded its voluntary recall of select Pillsbury Pizza Pops products across Canada, following a growing multi-province outbreak of E. coli O26 infections that has now confirmed 23 patient cases and resulted in five hospitalizations. This latest expansion, announced on January 25, 2026, adds numerous varieties and extends the range of ‘better if used by’ dates, urging consumers to check their freezers for potentially contaminated items that may not appear or smell spoiled but could cause severe illness.
Expanded Scope of the Recall
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the expanded recall, which now includes 11 varieties and sizes of Pillsbury Pizza Pops, broadening the scope of an initial recall issued on December 21, 2025. The affected products encompass popular flavors such as Three-Cheese, Pepperoni, Pepperoni and Bacon, Deluxe, and Three-Meat pizza snacks, sold in various package sizes including 4-count, 8-count, and 30-count formats. The newly specified ‘better if used by’ dates for these products now range from June 8, 2026, to June 21, 2026, extending beyond the previous recall’s dates of June 9 to June 14, 2026.
General Mills, the manufacturer of Pillsbury Pizza Pops, released a statement underscoring food safety as its top priority and affirming its collaboration with retail partners to ensure all potentially affected products are removed from sale. Consumers are strongly advised to consult the CFIA’s official website for a complete, up-to-date list of recalled products, including specific UPC codes and ‘better if used by’ dates, to verify any items in their possession.
The Growing E. coli Outbreak
As of January 25, 2026, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reported 23 confirmed cases of E. coli O26 infection linked to the outbreak. These cases are spread across seven Canadian provinces: three in British Columbia, nine in Alberta, five in Saskatchewan, two in Manitoba, two in Ontario, and one each in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. The patient age range is notably broad, spanning from 1 to 87 years old, indicating the widespread vulnerability to the bacteria.
The timeline of illnesses reveals that the first patient developed symptoms in early October 2025, with the most recent case emerging in late November 2025. While five individuals have required hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms, thankfully, no fatalities have been reported to date. The investigation into the outbreak’s full scope and any additional potential links remains ongoing, with PHAC working to track and manage the public health impact.
Understanding E. coli Risks and Symptoms
E. coli O26 infection can manifest with a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, severe stomach cramps, headache, mild fever, and watery or bloody diarrhea. While most healthy individuals typically recover within five to seven days without specific treatment, certain demographics face a significantly higher risk of severe illness. These vulnerable groups include pregnant individuals, children under the age of five, adults over 60, and those with compromised immune systems.
In severe cases, E. coli infections can lead to life-threatening complications such as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. Symptoms of HUS include decreased frequency of urination, fever, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, and unexplained bruising or bleeding. HUS can result in permanent kidney damage, seizures, strokes, the need for blood transfusions and kidney dialysis, and, in rare instances, death. The CFIA reiterates that food contaminated with E. coli O26 may not look or smell spoiled, making vigilance crucial for consumers.
Manufacturer’s Response and Consumer Action
General Mills has urged consumers to check their freezers immediately and to dispose of any products matching the recall criteria or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. The company emphasized its commitment to food safety and its efforts to remove all affected items from the marketplace swiftly.
The CFIA advises anyone who believes they have become ill from consuming a recalled product to seek medical attention promptly and inform their healthcare provider about the potential exposure. Specific tests are often required to diagnose E. coli infections, which can sometimes mimic other gastrointestinal illnesses. Early diagnosis and medical care are vital, especially for individuals experiencing severe symptoms or belonging to high-risk groups.
The expanded recall of Pillsbury Pizza Pops underscores the persistent public health challenge posed by foodborne pathogens and the critical role of robust food safety protocols. The increasing number of confirmed cases and the broad geographic spread highlight the urgency of consumer awareness and the necessity for swift, comprehensive action from manufacturers and regulatory bodies to mitigate further risk to public health.