Thursday, 4:30 PM
State health department warns of tainted lettuce
By Globe Staff
The state Department of Public Health is asking people to take a close look at the lettuce they have in the refrigerator because it could be contaminated with bacteria.
The department says that lettuce recently recalled by the Dole Food Co. may have been sold in Massachusetts.
Dole recalled the lettuce Monday because of concerns the bags may be contaminated with the E. coli bacteria. It acted after a tainted bag was sold in Canada.
The Massachusetts health department asked people to check their refrigerators and dispose of lettuce labeled "Dole Hearts Delight" with a "best if used by (BIUB)" date of Sept. 19 and a production code of "A24924A" or "A24924B."
The salad was sold in half-pound plastic bags with a UPC code of 071430-01038.
Exposure to E. coli can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea, and it can lead to a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, the health department said.
While warning that the lettuce may have been sold in the state, the department said it didn't know how much might have been sold or where it might have been sold.
