Image: The front packaging of the Pillsbury Pizza Pops Pepperoni and Bacon eight-count box, one of the products included in the recall. CNW
Health officials across Canada continue to track a growing E. coli outbreak linked to certain Pillsbury Pizza Pops. The investigation remains active, and officials expect updates as new information comes in. Authorities urge Canadians to check their freezers and avoid eating the recalled products.
So far, health agencies have confirmed 20 illnesses connected to the outbreak. People fell sick in five provinces, with Alberta reporting the highest number of cases.
Cases Reported in Five Provinces
The illnesses span a wide age range, from infants to seniors. Health records show cases in British Columbia (3), Alberta (9), Saskatchewan (5), Ontario (2), and New Brunswick (1). Four people required hospital care. No deaths have occurred.
The outbreak affected males and females equally. Doctors reported that people started feeling sick between early October and late November 2025.
Health officials warn that reported numbers likely underestimate the true scale of illness. Many people experience mild symptoms and never seek medical help, which keeps cases off official records.
Products Under Recall
Food safety officials ordered a recall of several Pillsbury brand Pizza Pops after linking them to E. coli O26. The recalled items include:
- Pepperoni + Bacon (30 pizza snacks)
- Pepperoni + Bacon (8 pizza snacks)
- Supremo Extreme Pepperoni + Bacon (30 pizza snacks)
- FRANK’s RedHot Pepperoni + Bacon (4 pizza snacks)
Shoppers should review product names, package sizes, and codes carefully. For full recall details, consumers can check alerts from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
How the Illness Spreads
E. coli infections occur when people consume contaminated food. The bacteria can spread from person to person days or even weeks after infection, even when symptoms do not appear.
Most people recover within a week without treatment. However, some infections cause serious illness that leads to hospitalization. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms usually appear one to ten days after exposure. Some people may not feel sick at all. Others may experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, mild fever, severe stomach cramps, and watery or bloody diarrhea. Most symptoms fade within ten days.
Anyone who believes they have symptoms should contact a health care provider right away.
Safety Advice for Homes and Businesses
Health officials urge consumers, retailers, and food service operators to take immediate action. People should not eat, sell, serve, or distribute recalled Pizza Pops. They should throw out affected products or return them to the store.
People should also clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that touched the recalled food. Anyone diagnosed with E. coli should avoid preparing food for others.
Investigators report that many sick individuals ate or handled Pizza Pops made by Pillsbury. Officials continue to study whether other sources played a role.
