Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections related to dried sprouted chia seed powder

OTTAWA, May 31, 2014 /CNW/ -

Why you should take note

The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with Provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada to investigate nine Canadian cases of Salmonella infection linked to the consumption of dried sprouted chia seed powder.  Sprouted chia seed powder is made from ground, dried chia seeds.

As a part of this investigation, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall warning for various products from Advantage Health Matters containing sprouted chia seeds under the brands Organic Traditions and Back 2 the Garden. These products have been recalled and are being removed from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.

The risk to Canadians is low, but those who have bought the recalled products sold under the brands Organic Traditions and Back 2 the Garden should not consume these products and should consult their health professional if they suspect they have symptoms of a Salmonella infection.

Ongoing Investigation

In Canada, two strains of Salmonella have been identified associated with this outbreak: Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Hartford. In total, 9 cases have been reported in British Columbia (6), Alberta (1) and Quebec (2). One case was hospitalized and has recovered. No deaths have been reported. The investigation is ongoing but currently, 7 of 7 cases that have been interviewed have reported consumption of dried sprouted chia seed powder. More information on the epidemiological investigation is also available.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2014/salmonella-epi-nh-053114-eng.php

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are also investigating similar cases of Salmonella, and have recalled three sprouted chia seed powder products linked to their investigation.

The Agency routinely investigates multi-provincial gastro-intestinal illness outbreaks, in an effort to determine if illnesses are linked to the same source.

The Agency will update Canadians when new information becomes available.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can become sick from salmonellosis, but infants, children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are less robust.

Most people who become ill from salmonellosis will recover fully after a few days.

It is possible for some people to be infected with the bacteria and not get sick or show any symptoms, but still be able to spread the infection to others.

What you should do

These products have a long shelf life and may still be in people's home. If you have these brands of dried sprouted chia seed powder products in your home, do not eat them. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. If you are unsure about the source of your sprouted chia seed product, do not consume it. Secure it in a plastic bag and throw it out. Then wash your hands thoroughly in warm soapy water.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.

If you suspect you became ill from eating a recalled product, or another sprouted chia seed product, talk to your health care provider.

Symptoms  

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, called salmonellosis, typically start 6 to 72 hours after exposure to a contaminated product. Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Headache

These symptoms usually last four to seven days. In healthy people, salmonellosis often clears up without treatment. People who experience severe symptoms, or who have underlying medical conditions, should contact their health care providers if they suspect they have a Salmonella infection.

What the Public Health Agency of Canada is doing

The Public Health Agency of Canada is in regular contact with its federal and provincial partners in health, and the CDC as part of this investigation.  The Agency will work with its partners and take appropriate action to protect Canadians if this event should escalate and pose an increased risk to the health of Canadians.

Additional information

• Salmonella Fact Sheet
• Sprouted chia seed product recall
• More information about Salmonella is available through the Government of Canada food safety web portal

SOURCE: Public Health Agency of Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
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