Nine cases of salmonella have been reported by Health Canada following a recall of No Name-brand chicken burgers that was issued on June 2.
The recall came after investigations raised concerns of salmonella contamination linked to poultry, including frozen breaded chicken products that contained raw poultry.
At the time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) advised Canadians to follow proper food safety practices when handling, preparing, or eating any type of poultry, including frozen raw breaded chicken products like chicken burgers, nuggets, and strips.
OUTBREAK UPDATE: Canadians who handle, prepare & consume poultry, incl. frozen raw breaded chicken products are at an increased risk of getting #Salmonella if proper safe food handling practices are not followed. Learn more: https://t.co/T1XRtc2WV8 pic.twitter.com/MNSdmRK9PG
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) June 19, 2018
There are now 68 cases of salmonella illness reported in nine jurisdictions: British Columbia (8), Alberta (9), Manitoba (9), Ontario (15), Quebec (23), New Brunswick (1), Nova Scotia (1), Newfoundland and Labrador (1), and the Northwest Territories (1).
Fifteen people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. The individuals became sick between March and May 2018.
PHAC says that several of those individuals reported having eaten No Name brand chicken burgers before they got sick. A sample of burgers with a best before date of Feb. 6, 2019, tested positive for salmonella.
Symptoms of salmonella often occur six to 72 hours after exposure to or consumption of the contaminated product, and can include fever, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Infants, children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at the most risk of contracting the illness, but anyone can be susceptible to it.
The investigation is ongoing, and PHAC says it is possible that more products linked to the outbreak investigation will be identified.
In the meantime, PHAC advises Canadians to not eat the recalled product, and either throw out or return any product they may still have.