VTEC crushing diarrhea Recall for iceberg lettuce at Edeka and Marktkauf for dangerous germs

Recall of iceberg lettuce because of bacteria

At Edeka and Marktkauf, iceberg salads are being withdrawn from the market. As it is officially called, the salad would be recalled due to the preventive consumer protection of Gemüserings Stuttgart GmbH (Stuttgart / BW). In one study, VTEC bacteria were detected on a salad labeled "GOOD & CHEAP". The supermarket chains pointed out, however, that the iceberg salad of the special producer was offered exclusively in Baden-Württemberg at Edeka and Marktkauf. Caution is advised as the bacterium can cause serious illnesses. Therefore, consumers should take the recall seriously.

Iceberg lettuce should not be eaten

The supermarket chain reported that they had responded "immediately and taken the goods immediately from the sale." Customers who have already purchased the salad can return it for a refund of the purchase price without presentation of the receipt in their shops. Consumption is strongly discouraged for health reasons. Consumer questions answered the customer service of Gemüsering Stuttgart GmbH under the email qm (at) gemuesering.de. Other products of the manufacturer are not affected, as stated in a statement.

Infection can lead to diarrhea and vomiting

The discovered bacteria can be dangerous especially for immunodeficient persons, pregnant women, children and seniors. Often a Vero toxin producing E. coli (VTEC) infection is asymptomatic. In other cases, after an incubation period of typically three to four days, gastroenteritis (commonly called "gastrointestinal flu") occurs. This is associated with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting as well as physical weakness.

Heavy gradients possible

In severe cases, enterohaemorrhagic colitis (intestinal inflammation) may develop. In 10% to 20% of affected patients haemorrhagic colitis develops with bloody stool and partial fever.

In 5 to 10% of the infected, it can result in a dangerous hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Especially toddlers are affected by such a complication. There may be acute renal failure (no urination), anemia, decreased platelet counts, skin bleeding, and neurological changes.

Therefore, the consumption - even if only in one sample the bacterium was found, is strongly discouraged. Further questions are answered by the manufacturer and the affected supermarkets Edeka and Marktkauf. (Sb)