Canadian officials have cleared avocados as the source behind an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella infections. They have determined the source of the Salmonella is frozen corn.

“There are now 84 Salmonella illnesses reported across 5 provinces. based on the investigation findings to date, the outbreak is linked to Alasko brand frozen whole kernel corn,” according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued food recall warnings on Dec. 14 and 19 for Alasko brand frozen whole kernel corn imported by New Alasko Limited Partnership. Some of the products were possibly distributed nationally. This led to a secondary recall for Fraser Valley Meats brand frozen whole kernel corn on Dec. 18. 

Additional food recall warnings in Canada are possible. More information on recalled products is available online.

“Do not eat, use, sell, or serve any recalled Alasko brand or Fraser Valley Meats brand frozen whole kernel corn,” PHAC advises.

“This advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and long-term care homes, across Canada.”

about Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.