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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is advising consumers to check their leafy vegetables for a possible beetle that can cause blisters.
Following recent consumer complaints of Iron Cross Blister beetles in pre-packaged salads, the CFIA is investigating. So far, there haven’t been any confirmed illnesses or injuries with consumption of imported leafy vegetables.
“Fresh produce can harbour insects that may be injurious to consumers, but this is rare,” says CFIA. The agency describes the beetle as distinctly coloured with a bright red head and bright yellow markings on the wings, separated by a black “cross”. The Iron Cross Blister beetle can release an irritating chemical, “cantharidin,” which may cause blisters at the point of contact. As a result, the beetles should be treated with caution.
Iron Cross Blister beetle. (Photo Credit: CFIA)
CFIA tells consumers to wash and visually inspect their leafy vegetables thoroughly. If you do find a beetle, remove it without touching or crushing it and advise your local CFIA office.
“More information will be shared with the public as it becomes available,” says the CFIA. “The CFIA will take all necessary steps to protect the safety of the Canadian food supply.”
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