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 continue to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections involving five provinces: As of November 2, 2018, there have been 50 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Infantis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (42), Alberta (5), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (1), and Quebec (1).

Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to long English cucumbers has been identified as the likely source of the outbreak. Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating long English cucumbers before their illness. However, more information is needed to determine the possible causes of contamination. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported.

What we know:

• As of November 2, 2018, there have been 50 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Infantis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (42), 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 early-October 2018
• Ten 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.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is issuing this updated 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 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

©2018 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.