A chia powder Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 12 people in the U.S. has expanded to include nine cases in Canada, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. One person in each country has been hospitalized.
The organic, sprouted chia powder distributed by Navitas Naturals of Novato, California has been recalled in both countries. For information on the U.S. recall click here, for information on the Canadian recall, which includes Organic Traditions and Back 2 the Garden brands, click here.
Consumers who have purchased these products should not consume them as Salmonella can cause serious illness. Symptoms of a Salmonella infection usually set in 6to 72 hours after exposure and can last up to a week. They include abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
In the U.S. one outbreak strain of Salmonella Newport has been identified. In Canada, two strains have been identified, Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Hartford. The nine cases in Canada were reported from the following provinces: British Columbia (6), Alberta (1) and Quebec (2). One person who was hospitalized has recovered.
In the U.S., the 12 cases have been reported from the following states: Arizona (1), California (2), Connecticut (1), Massachusetts (1), New York (4), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (2). The onset of illness dates range from January 21, 2014 to May 5, 2014.
