[ad_1]
An outbreak of salmonella that has made 42 people in British Columbia sick since mid-June, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, is badociated with long English cucumbers.
Five new cases have been linked to the epidemic, bringing the total to 50, the health agency said.
Nobody died of the outbreak, but 10 people were hospitalized.
"Based on the results of the investigation to date, exposure to long English cucumbers has been identified as being the likely source of the outbreak," said the agency in a statement. an update of the agency. "Many people who became ill said they ate long English cucumbers before they got sick."
However, the health agency did not advise people not to eat cucumbers, saying more information was needed to determine the possible causes of the contamination.
"If contaminated food products are identified, [the Canadian Food Inspection Agency] take the necessary steps to protect the public, including recalling the product as needed. Currently, there is no food recall warning badociated with this outbreak, "the update said.
The health agency said the epidemic appears to be continuing "as diseases continue to be reported".
Anyone can get a salmonella infection, but infants, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness. Most people who get sick recover completely after a few days.
The health agency has offered several tips for handling fresh vegetables, including cucumbers:
• Wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh produce.
• Eliminate any bruised or damaged area on fresh produce, where harmful bacteria can grow. Be sure to clean your knife with hot water and soap before reuse.
• Wash fresh produce thoroughly with cool, fresh running water, even if you plan to peel it.
• Do not soak fresh produce in a sink filled with water. It can be contaminated with bacteria in the sink.
• Use a clean fruit and vegetable brush to scrub firm surface items such as cucumbers. There is no need to use cleaning products to wash fresh fruits and vegetables.
© Copyright Times Colonist
[ad_2]
Source link
