A major Canadian grocery store chain is removing romaine lettuce from store shelves.
Loblaw, which owns the Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Zehrs, and Shoppers Drug Mart has now recalled all products containing romaine lettuce after an E. coli outbreak.
The company says it is removing products from all across Canada out of an abundance of caution.
Officials say 19 people in Ontario and Quebec became sick because of an E. coli outbreak linked to romaine.
The agency is warning people not to consume romaine lettuce as it investigates the issue further.
Joe Degiuli, Food Safety Team Leader with Niagara Public Health tells CKTB while this is not a full recall of romaine, the warning should be taken seriously.
Degiuli says while no cases have been confirmed in Niagara, many people are concerned and they are calling public health for advice.
He is telling people who are experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach cramps to see a doctor.
He says most people who consume E. coli become sick two days after, but in some cases symptoms can present sooner or later.
People most at risk are the very young and old and people with compromised immune systems.
If you have romaine in your fridge and decide to eat it, he advises you to wash the lettuce well and throw out the outer layers.
Degiuli says while it's not mandatory for grocery stores and restaurants to remove romaine from shelves or menus, it's up to the individual business to make the call since it's not a recall.
He says most companies will err on the side of caution and remove it all together.