180,000 pounds of Salad, Chicken Products Recalled after Reports of E. coli Infection

California-based Glass Onion Catering has recalled 180,000 pounds of products including ready-to-eat salads and sandwich wraps with fully cooked chicken and ham after few consumers were hospitalized due to Escherichia coli infection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced.

About 26 people in three states have developed E. coli O157:H7 infection. At least 15 of them consumed the products in the recall list, CNN reported.

"Based on epidemiological information, 15 case-patients reported consumption of ready-to-eat pre-packaged salads prior to illness onset. A traceback investigation determined Glass Onion Catering was the supplier of the products implicated in the outbreak," the agency said.

The recalled products might be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a statement released by the agency said. The bacteria are capable of causing severe illness. Symptoms include diarrhea, dehydration and abdominal cramps. In some cases, especially in children and senior citizens, the bacteria can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The infection produces toxins that damage red blood cells, leading to kidney damage.

 The products were manufactured between Sept. 23 and Nov. 6, 2013 and were sent to retail stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington, USDA said.

This is one of the few incidents where E. coli infection has been linked with chicken products. Usually, salmonella is the chief cause for disease. Recently, Foster farms chicken had caused sickness in 300 people.

E. coli is found in the gut of healthy adults and most of its strains are quite beneficial. However, certain types such as the aforementioned E. coli O157:H7 can cause diseases.

Read the full list of recalled products, here.