Canadian Salmonella outbreak sickens 61; mini pastries recalled nationwide

An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in Canada has been traced to mini pastries. The implicated pastries have been recalled nationwide.

As of Jan. 19, there were 61 confirmed patients, according to Public Health Canada. Seventeen people have required hospitalization. The sick people are between age 3 and age 88. Patients became ill between late September 2024 and mid-December 2024 

Many people who became sick reported eating mini pastries at catered events or other establishments where the recalled products were served, according to the health department. The affected provinces and number of sick people in them are British Columbia with 4, Alberta with 2, Ontario with 21, Quebec with 33, and New Brunswick with 1.

Although the pastries have been recalled, there will likely be more people identified as outbreak patients because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between 16 and 41 days.

There is concern that businesses may still have the recalled products in their freezers because of their long shelf life, which extends into November this year. This outbreak may not be limited to the provinces or territories with known illnesses. The recalled mini pastries were distributed to: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

For a full list of the Sweet Cream brand pastries subject to the recall, click here.

About Salmonella infections

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any mini pastries and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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