Salmonella Outbreak in Canada

Last month, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced it was collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella infections.  The illnesses have been linked to contaminated frozen, raw, breaded chicken products.

To date, there have been cases reported in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported, but 12 people have been hospitalized out of the 44 people known to have become infected.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is associated with a number of common foods, including chicken.  Most people who become infected develop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment. However, for some people, the condition may be so severe that the person needs to be hospitalized and death can occur in extreme cases.

“Anyone who consumes Salmonella contaminated food products can become ill,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Young children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system are most susceptible.  At EMSL, we help to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks by providing a comprehensive range of food testing services.  These services are available to food manufacturers, retailers, health officials and the general public.  EMSL’s comprehensive network of laboratories are located across Canada and the United States.”

EMSL has also created a video about Salmonella that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/1v59mjWwJZ8.

To learn more about testing for Salmonella and other food testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.