Canadian officials have ordered the recall of dozens of freshcut fruit products in connection with an outbreak of Salmonella infections.
The 69 products under recall are sold under a variety of brands. The recalls include but are not limited to cantaloupe, fruit mixes, pineapple, honeydew and watermelon in pieces, halves and other cuts.
The recalls are related to an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella infections traced to fresh cantaloupe that may also be connected to other fruit. Some of the recalled fruit does not expire until well into December.
For a complete list of the 69 products covered by the new recall click here.
Previous recalls related to the outbreak are:
The newly recalled fruit has may have been distributed nationwide, but is known for sure to have been sent to Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba.
As of this past week public health officials had confirmed nine patients in the outbreak — one in Ontario and eight in British Columbia. There is a related outbreak in the United States where 43 people have been confirmed as patients. The outbreak spreads across 15 states. At least 17 people have been so sick they required hospitalization. Malichita and other brands of brand cantaloupe have been recalled in the United States.
Consumers are urged to take the following action:
- Check to see if you have recalled products
- Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
- Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased
- Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled product are advised to contact their retailer
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten any products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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