Frozen whole kernel corn is the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that has sickened at least 84 Canadians in five provinces, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Four of the outbreak victims have been hospitalized.
Confirmed outbreak cases have been reported by British Columbia (36), Alberta (30), Saskatchewan (4), Manitoba (12) and Ontario (2). The Ontario outbreak victims reported having traveled to British Columbia and Alberta prior to becoming ill.
The outbreak, which began in early September, appears to be ongoing.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) identified the source of the outbreak after analyzing multiple food samples obtained from restaurants where outbreak victims had eaten.
The CFIA recoverd the outbreak strain from an unopened package of Alasko brand frozen whole kernel corn.
The investigation has spawned three recalls to date, and it is possible that further traceback investigation may result in additional recalls.
The recalls
- New Alasko Limited Partnership recalls Alasko brand IQF whole kernel corn (12 kg (6×2 kg); Lot #GT21120; P.O. 112943; UPC 1 069505 816003 4), distributed to Hotels, restaurants and institutions and manufacturers in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba and possibly elsewhere in Canada.
- New Alasko Limited Partnership recalls Alasko brand IQF whole kernel corn (12 kg (6×2 kg); Lot #GT21117, GT21123 & GT21143; P.O. 112954, 112944 & 112955, respectively; UPC 1 069505 816003 4) distributed to hotels, restaurants and institutions, manufacturers and retailers in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec and possibly elsewhere in Canada.
- Fraser Valley Meats recalls Fraser Valley Meats brand Whole Kernel Corn (frozen) (~2 kg; Sold between December 3 and December 15, 2021; UPC 2 000921 000002), sold to the general public in British Columbia.
What consumers need to know
- Do not eat, use, sell, or serve any recalled Alasko brand or Fraser Valley Meats brand frozen whole kernel corn. This advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and long-term care homes, across Canada.
- Symptoms of a Salmonella infection can include: fever, chills, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting.
- If you believe you have consumed the recalled product and are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, contact your health care professional.
- Discard any recalled product or return it to the supplier.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with the recalled product.
- For more information, members of the public can contact the PHAC toll-free at: 1-866-225-0709
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