Melons sold in N.B. linked to outbreak
Public Health Agency of Canada warns Malichita, Rudy brand cantaloupes identified as likely sources of Salmonella that’s caused illnesses, one death in five other provinces
Retailers and consumers across Canada - including those in New Brunswick - are being warned about selling or eating cantaloupes under two brand names sold over the past month.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued an alert Friday about Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes linked to Salmonella infections in five provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
One death has been linked to the outbreak thus far, the agency reported.
While New Brunswick wasn’t on the list of locations where illness was reported, PHAC noted the cantaloupes were sold throughout the country, including this province, since Oct. 10.
“Based on the investigation findings to date, consumption of Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes have been identified as the likely source of the outbreak,” the advisory stated.
“Many of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten cantaloupe before their illnesses occurred.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued food-recall warnings for the cantaloupes sold under the two brand names.
The recalled products were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and possibly elsewhere.
The PHAC news release also said additional secondary recalls were issued for products that were made using recalled cantaloupes and for produce that was processed alongside the suspect cantaloupes. Among those other produce items are fruit such as honeydew, pineapple, watermelon and various fruit trays.
“To prevent illness, do not eat, serve, use, sell, or distribute,” the PHAC advisory stated.
“If you are unable to verify the brand of cantaloupe, or if your produce is part of the CFIA recalls, it is recommended to throw it out. This advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers, food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and facilities such as hospitals, long-term care homes and daycares, across Canada.”
The PHAC alert said there there have been 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of illness linked to the outbreak, breaking down as follows: 12 in British Columbia, 12 in Ontario , 35 in Quebec, two in Prince Edward Island and two in Newfoundland and Labrador, with additional Salmonella infections under investigation so more linked cases could be confirmed. “Individuals became sick between mid-October and mid-November 2023,” the advisory stated. “Seventeen individuals have been hospitalized. One death has been reported.”
U.S. agencies are also investigating the outbreak, it said.
PHAC stated symptoms usually arise six to 72 hours after exposure to Salmonella bacteria, and typically last for four to seven days. Symptoms include: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and abdominal cramps.
“People who are infected with Salmonella bacteria can spread Salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don't have symptoms,” the advisory said.
“Salmonella can spread by person-to-person contact and contaminated surfaces. Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days without treatment, but it can also cause severe illness and hospitalization.”
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