Thursday, June 05, 2014
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Ontarians Warned Not To Eat Certain Sprouted Chia Products
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Arlene King, is warning Ontarians not to consume certain sprouted chia products produced by Advantage Health Matters and Back 2 the Garden because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a recall last week that affected certain Organic Traditions and Back 2 the Garden brand products. Consumers are asked to visit the CFIA's website for a complete listing of all recalled products and to visit the website regularly as there may be recalls of additional products as the food safety investigation continues.
Ontarians are reminded to check their homes for the recalled products and if any are found, it is recommended that they be discarded or returned to the store where they were purchased.
To date, 15 confirmed cases of salmonellosis have been reported in Ontario linked to the ongoing investigation of sprouted chia products.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is working closely with Public Health Ontario, the CFIA, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the investigation of these products.
Quick Facts:
- Salmonella are bacteria that can cause food-borne infection called salmonellosis.
- Salmonella infections are spread by eating food contaminated by feces of an infected animal or person, or by drinking contaminated water. They can also be spread from person-to-person. Proper hand washing and safe food handling are key to preventing food-borne illnesses such as salmonellosis.
- Outbreaks have been caused by inadequately cooked poultry and poultry products, uncooked or lightly cooked foods containing egg and egg products, raw milk and dairy products including dried milk. Salmonellosis outbreaks have also been linked to raw fruits and vegetables (including sprouts).
- Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms can occur from 6 to 72 hours after becoming infected.
- Salmonella infections can be serious in infants and young children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, and older adults, who are at a higher risk for food-borne illness, as are people with weakened immune systems (such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and transplant patients).
Learn More:
Quotes:
"I strongly warn the public not to consume the affected products. Salmonella bacteria can cause serious illness – anyone who may have consumed the product and shows signs of infection, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea and/or vomiting should seek medical attention immediately and mention possible exposure."
— Dr. Arlene King, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health
Media Contact:
David Jensen
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
416-314-6197
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