Sobeys Removes Romaine Lettuce Products from Shelves

STELLARTON, NS, /CNW/ - On Tuesday night, November 20, out of concern for the health of employees and customers, Sobeys Inc. temporarily stopped the sale of all Romaine lettuce products across its national store network until further notice.

Sobeys is responding to a notice from the Public Health Agency of Canada advising all Canadians to not consume Romaine lettuce products. To date, there have been 18 confirmed cases of E. coli O157 illness under investigation in two provinces: Ontario, (3) and Quebec (15). Six individuals have been hospitalized after becoming sick.

All items containing Romaine lettuce in Sobeys' national store network – over 300 products – are being removed from shelves at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Thrifty Foods, Foodland, FreshCo and Lawton's Drug Stores as well as all Sobeys Inc. convenience store banners in all provinces.

Food safety is Sobeys' top priority. Sobeys will continue to follow the situation closely and take appropriate action to protect the health of its customers. 

About Sobeys Inc.
Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians since 1907. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton's Drug Stores as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations. Sobeys, its franchisees and affiliates employ more than 120,000 people. The company's purpose is to help Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.

SOURCE Sobeys Inc.