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Second Recall of Cucumbers in BC and Alberta Due to Salmonella Risk


The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is recalling a second batch of cucumbers in less than a week due to possible salmonella contamination.

The latest shipment of recalled Mexican cucumbers was primarily sold in British Columbia and Alberta from Oct. 12 to Nov. 29, but may also have been available in other provinces, CFIA said in a Dec. 4

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The recall affects Pamela brand cucumbers that may have been sold loose or in bulk. The agency said the cucumbers may have also been sold without a brand name.

“The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace,” the agency said.

The Canadian advisory was issued after an American distributor of the product initiated its own recall, suggesting some batches potentially tainted with salmonella may have been distributed in Canada.

CIFA said it has launched a food safety investigation in response to the U.S. recall and its investigation may lead to the agency issuing recalls for additional products.

While no illnesses linked to the recall have been reported in Canada, the agency is recommending the cucumbers be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may look and smell normal, but it can still cause illness, CFIA said.

Salmonella is a bacteria that causes salmonellosis, one of the most common forms of food poisoning. It can cause a wide array of symptoms including chills, diarrhea, fever, nausea, stomach cramps, sudden headache, and vomiting, according to the Health Canada

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Although not everyone exposed to salmonella will exhibit symptoms, individuals who do are likely to experience side effects within a timeframe of six to 72 hours, the agency says.

Symptoms generally subside within four to seven days and rarely require medical treatment. In more serious cases, patients may need prescription drugs and intravenous fluids to aid in their recovery.

The elderly, infants, pregnant women, and those with impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to severe Salmonellosis reactions.

“While most people recover completely on their own, some people may have a more serious illness that requires hospital care and may lead to long-lasting health effects or death,” Health Canada says. “Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.”

Individuals infected with the bacteria are contagious anywhere from several days to several weeks following the initial infection, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms. It is spread through person-to-person contact and by touching contaminated surfaces.

Health Canada recommends frequent hand washing and keeping food preparation areas clean.



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