BJ's recalls mushrooms on E. coli suspicion

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. said Tuesday it was recalling packages of fresh mushrooms after it a routine inspection revealed the possible presence of the deadly bacteria E. coli.

The warehouse club operator said the products affected were Wellsley Farms brand fresh mushrooms purchased between February 11 and February 19, 2007.

The company, which had not received any reports of illness, said it had removed all the potentially affected products from its shelves as a precaution.

Customers who had purchased the product are encouraged not to eat it and may return the unused portion for a full refund.

If tests by BJ's confirms the presence of E. coli, it would mark the third food outbreak of the bacteria in the U.S. over the past seven months.

More than 70 people fell sick in December last year because of an E. coli outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants in the U.S. Northeast. Federal health officials said contaminated lettuce was the likely cause.

In September, the Food and Drug Administration had linked the infection of 158 people with a strain of E. coli to spinach manufactured by the three companies. The death of at least one child was linked to the outbreak.

Consumers who have further questions may contact BJ's toll free Member Care line at 1-800-BJS-CLUB.

BJ (Charts) shares finished 1.3 percent higher in Tuesday trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

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