Canada

E. coli cases may be linked to leafy greens, health agency says

Recent cases of E. coli across Canada may be linked to leafy green vegetables, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Cases in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador under investigation

The Chinese vegetables are thriving in the red Island soil.
Exposure to leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, kale and spinach has emerged as a possible cause of the E. coli cases. (CBC)

Recent cases of E. coli across Canada may be linked to leafy green vegetables, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

The agency said Wednesday it is currently aware of 12 similar cases of E.coli in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, and that exposure to leafy greens such as lettuce, kale and spinach has emerged as a possible cause. 

No specific product has been identified and the risk to the public is low, the agency said in a statement. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is investigating. 

Canadians are reminded to follow safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of illness, including washing fruits and vegetables before eating them, and cleaning counters, hands and cutting boards.