In cooperation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has issued a notice to advise the public of an important recall of products that could cause serious illness in vulnerable population groups.

A wide range of peanut and peanut-containing products are being recalled because of possible contamination with Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria. To date, no cases of illness in Canada have been associated with these products. Salmonella can cause serious illness and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations including small children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

The affected peanut ingredients originate from an American company, but many products available in Canada are implicated. The CFIA is conducting ongoing investigations in Canada and issuing frequent advisories.

Lists of recalled products are available on the CFIA and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites:

CFIA:  http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2009/20090202e.shtml

FDA:  http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/Salmonellatyph.html#recalls

For more information about food safety and food-related illness, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) website at: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca