News and Stories

This update does not apply to any Markon First Crop, Ready-Set-Serve, or Markon Essentials products.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections involving five provinces: As of October 19, 2018, there have been 45 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Infantis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (37), Alberta (5), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (1), and Quebec (1).

The source of the outbreak has not been identified and the investigation is ongoing. Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating cucumbers before their illness. However, other potential sources of illness are also being considered. More information is needed to determine the source of the outbreak. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported.

What we know:

• As of October 19, 2018, there have been 45 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Infantis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (37), Alberta (5), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (1), and Quebec (1).
  • The illness reported in Quebec was related to travel to British Columbia
• Individuals became sick between mid-June and late-September 2018
• Nine individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
• Individuals who became ill are between 1 and 92 years of age.
• The majority of cases (58%) are female.

Given the evolving nature of this outbreak, the Public Health Agency of Canada is issuing this public health notice to inform residents in western Canada of the investigation findings to date and to share important safe food handling practices to help prevent further Salmonella infections. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that residents in central and eastern Canada are affected by this outbreak.

Click here to review the PHAC public health notice which will be updated on a regular basis as the investigation evolves.

Markon will continue to update members when more information becomes available.

Lianna Kelly

Food Safety Director

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