August 13, 2010 Update: There are 28 cases in BC associated with this outbreak. No further cases are expected.
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August 6, 2010 Update: There are currently 26 confirmed cases of illness due to Salmonella Chester reported in BC. The outbreak has been associated with Freybe headcheese consumption. For more information on the product recall, please see the CFIA health hazard alert.
As a result of the ongoing investigation at the manufacturing plant, the CFIA has also issued several additional recalls of other products. For more information regarding these recalls and the investigation at the manufacturing plant, please visit the CFIA's web site.
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July 28, 2010 Update: There are currently 23 confirmed cases of illness due to Salmonella Chester reported in BC. The outbreak has been associated with Freybe headcheese consumption (see CFIA health hazard alert for more information about this and other recalled headcheese products).
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July 23, 2010 Update: As a result of information obtained from the continuing investigation into the cause of the outbreak, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and G. Brandt Meat Packers Ltd. are warning the public not to consume Brandt headcheese products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. All flavours of Brandt Headcheese products, bearing Establishment number 164 and purchased up to and including July 21, 2010, are affected.
Like the Freybe headcheese, Brandt headcheese products would have been sold to consumers at deli counters. However, the original brand and/or Best Before dates may not have been transferred to consumer packages. Persons who may have purchased these products and do not know the original brand and/or code are advised to check with their retailer or supplier to determine if they have the affected product.
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VANCOUVER – The BC Centre for Disease Control is asking British Columbians who may have purchased Freybe headcheese to discard it or return it to their place of purchase as it may be associated with a salmonella outbreak.
Over the past two weeks, 10 cases of a rare strain of salmonella (S. Chester) have been identified among B.C. residents. The only common food consumed by these cases was headcheese, which had been purchased from various stores throughout the province from mid to late June.
Headcheese is a deli product made from meat from the head of a pig, combined with gelatine and spices.
“The majority of infected people were elderly, and approximately half required hospitalization,” explains Dr. Eleni Galanis, physician epidemiologist at the BCCDC, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. “There may be other people who also experienced symptoms, but did not see their doctors, leaving potentially more unreported cases.”
Freybe Gourmet Foods Ltd. is voluntarily recalling this product, which is produced by a third-party manufacturer. Because the headcheese is sliced and packaged at deli counters in various stores, most consumers may not be aware of the brand of headcheese purchased.
“If you purchased headcheese from mid June to July 13, and are uncertain if it is associated with this recall, please call the store where it was purchased to identify the brand,” explains Galanis.
The BCCDC is working with B.C. Health Authorities and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to investigate other possible cases and the cause of the contamination and is urging the public to dispose of the contaminated product or return it to their place of purchase.
Salmonella are naturally occurring bacteria found in the intestines of animals, particularly poultry, cattle and swine. Salmonella can contaminate meat, eggs, dairy and raw fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fever and headache. These symptoms occur six to 72 hours after eating contaminated food, and can last a few days to a week. Most people recover without treatment. Some people may become more seriously ill with bloodstream infections and severe dehydration. If symptoms persist for longer than a few days or are unusually severe, sick people should see their doctor. People at highest risk of severe infection include young children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems.
If you have symptoms compatible with salmonella infection, call the 24-hour HealthLink BC line at 811, or contact your family physician.
Fo more information, please visit:
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Media Contact:
Ritinder Harry
BCCDC Communications
Phone: 604-707-2412
