54 Canadians contract salmonella poisoning from recalled breaded chicken

A Salmonella outbreak has sickened more than 50 people in Canada, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada

The product, Crisp and Delicious brand Chicken Breast Nuggets, were first recalled on January 25th after concerns were raised that the raw chicken could be contaminated with Salmonella.

Since then, the chicken has caused 54 people across ten provinces to become sick: British Columbia (4), Alberta (11), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (3), Ontario (20), Quebec (4), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia (5), Prince Edward Island (3) and Newfoundland and Labrador (1).

According to the health agency, no one has been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

If you are concerned

If you believe you have purchased or ingested one of the recalled products, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recommends that you throw out the chicken products and call your doctor.

The health agency warns that Salmonella may be present in food even if you can’t see or smell it.

While most healthy people are able to fight off the illness without treatment, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms of Salmonella usually start 6 – 72 hours after infection. Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Long-term complications could include severe arthritis

The food recall was issued following a foodborne illness outbreak investigation by the CFIA. The investigation is ongoing, which could lead to the recall of additional products.

If you experience symptoms or suspect you have contracted salmonella, contact your healthcare provider.