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In Canada, an outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella infections linked to raw pet food and contact with cattle

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the CFIA and Health Canada, to investigate an outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella infections in six provinces. As of November 11, 2023, there are 40 confirmed cases of XDR Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- illness in six provinces: Manitoba (1), Ontario (14), Quebec (21), New Brunswick (1), Nova Scotia (2), and Prince Edward Island (1). Individuals became sick between July 2020 and September 2023. Thirteen individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 0 and 91 years of age. Just under half (43%) of the cases are in children 5 years or younger. About half of the cases (53%) are female. Using whole genome sequencing, it was determined that the same outbreak strain caused some Salmonella illnesses dating back to 2020 as those in 2023. @ https://www.toronto.com/news/sick-dogs-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-raw-pet-food-leaves-animals-dead-and-dozens-of/article_9668b245-1106-529e-83f8-6ddc899bdfae.html

 

 

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Across Canada, Malichita cantaloupes were recalled due to Salmonella

The CFIA reported that the food recall warning issued on 2023-11-01 has been updated to include additional product information identified during the CFIA food safety investigation. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The cantaloupes were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. Affected products were sold between October 11, 2023, and November 14, 2023. The same brand was also recalled in the US. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/malichita-brand-cantaloupes-recalled-due-salmonella?utm_source=gc-notify&utm_medium=email&utm_content=en&utm_campaign=hc-sc-rsa-22-23

 

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Drug-resistant salmonella outbreak spreads across Canada, affecting many kids

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued a public health notice on an ongoing outbreak of “extensively drug resistant Salmonella outbreak. The outbreak has spread across six provinces, affecting many children aged five and under, prompting a public health notice. The PHAV and CFIA investigated the salmonella outbreak, revealing that raw pet food and cattle contact were likely culprits. “Many individuals who became sick are children five years or younger. Illnesses associated with this outbreak strain may be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics if antibiotic treatment is needed,” PHAC said in a statement. There are two sources for the outbreak; the first was linked to exposure to raw meat prepared for pets. PHAC said some individuals who became sick reported exposure to raw pet food before the illness occurred. However, a single supplier of raw pet food has not been identified. Contact with cattle, particularly calves, was linked as the second source of the outbreak. PHAC’s investigation also found this outbreak strain of salmonella has been found in sick dogs and cattle, and some of these animals have died. There have been 40 confirmed cases of the salmonella strain as of Nov. 11, PHAC said. Illnesses have been reported in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Between July 2020 and September 2023, the reported individuals fell ill, resulting in 13 hospitalizations, with no reported deaths. @ https://globalnews.ca/news/10088282/salmonella-outbreak-drug-resistant-canada/#:~:text=On%20Saturday%2C%20the%20Public%20Health,cattle%20contact%20as%20likely%20culprits

Drug-resistant salmonella outbreak spreads across Canada, affecting many kids - National | Globalnews.ca

An ongoing outbreak of ‘extensively drug-resistant’ salmonella infections has spread across six provinces, affecting many children aged five and under.

Investigation of elevated lead levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023)

The FDA reported on October 28, 2023, with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) that they are investigating reports of four children with elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity. The NCDHHS investigation identified WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches as a potential shared source of exposure. As part of their investigation, NCDHHS analyzed multiple lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, detecting extremely high lead concentrations. The FDA has reviewed and supported NCDHHS’s analytical findings and determined that levels of lead found in the analyzed pouches could result in acute lead toxicity. As of November 13, 2023, 22 reports of illness are potentially linked to recalled products. As part of this investigation, FDA and state partners are collecting and analyzing additional product samples of fruit puree and applesauce pouches. Currently, sample analyses have not shown elevated lead levels in non-recalled products. States with Adverse Illness Events: AL (1), AR (1), LA (2), MD (1), MO (1), NC (5), NM (1), NY (2), OH (1), PA (1), SC (2), TN (1), TX (1) WA (1), Unknown (1). On October 31, 2023, Wanabana LLC initiated a recall of all WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches. On November 9, 2023, Wanabana LLC’s recall was expanded to include information on recalled Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. The recall impacts markets outside the United States, including Cuba and the United Arab Emirates. WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and other online outlets. Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs are sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores. Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches are sold at Weis grocery stores.@ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

Do not eat, sell, or serve multiple brands of recalled apple cinnamon fruit pouches. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.