OTTAWA — The Public Health Agency of Canada says it's investigating an outbreak of E. coli related to a batch of Robin Hood all-purpose flour that's now the subject of a recall.
In a statement, the agency says there have been 25 cases of E. coli reported in four provinces, with six people going to hospital.
No deaths have been reported, and everyone who got sick has either recovered or is recovering.
Most of those who became ill are men, with an average age of 24.
The affected flour comes in 10-kilogram bags with a best before date of April 17, 2018, and was sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Illnesses were reported in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the recall on Tuesday, saying customers shouldn't consume the affected product but should throw it away or return it for a refund.
The CFIA said food contaminated with E. coli may not look or smell spoiled, but can still make you sick.
Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea.
In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says its investigation is ongoing, and more products linked to the outbreak could be identified.
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