Latest news with #PHAC


Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Major Canada meat recall over Salmonella risk; over 60 salami products included across six provinces
Canada meat recall salmonella: Health officials confirm 86 illnesses, including 9 hospitalizations. (Representative Image: Health Canada) A major recall of more than 60 salami and cacciatore meat products has been issued across six Canadian provinces due to possible salmonella contamination. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada announced the recall on Friday, July 18, following an ongoing foodborne illness investigation by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).The affected products were distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The recalled items were sold in grocery stores, butcher shops, cafes, restaurants, and deli counters. Also Read: Gabriella Zuniga: Meet the 20-year-old OnlyFans model who settled a $50m sexual assault lawsuit against 57-year-old Shannon Sharpe PHAC has confirmed 86 Salmonella infections linked to the recalled deli meats. Alberta reported the highest number, with 67 cases, followed by 17 in Ontario and one each in British Columbia and Manitoba. Nine people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. The illnesses were reported between mid-April and late June. According to PHAC, many of those who got sick had consumed sandwiches or deli meats later confirmed to be part of the recall includes products from the following brands: Bona Cosmo's Smoked Meats Imperial Meats Longos Luc's European Meats Cheese & Eats Marini Salumi Naturissimo P&E Foods Rea Speziale Fine Foods Superior Meats T.J. Meats Vince's Cured Meats Corp. Some of the specific items include Rea and Bona brand Genoa salami and sweet soppressata, already recalled earlier in officials advise consumers not to consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute any of the recalled products. If you have purchased any, return them to the store or throw them out. If you're unsure whether a prepared food product, such as a sandwich, contains recalled meats, contact the place of purchase. Anyone diagnosed with salmonella or experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps should avoid preparing food for others and seek medical attention if needed. Salmonella is a bacterial illness that can cause severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. It can also lead to long-term complications such as arthritis. Contaminated food may look or smell normal but still carry the bacteria are most frequently found in: Raw or undercooked meat and poultry: Contamination can occur during processing or slaughter. Chicken and turkey are common carriers. Raw or undercooked eggs and egg products: Eggs can contain Salmonella either on the shell or inside before the shell forms. Unpasteurized milk and dairy products: Raw milk can harbor Salmonella if it hasn't been pasteurized. Seafood: Especially raw or harvested from contaminated waters. Fruits and vegetables: Contamination can happen through irrigation with contaminated water or contact with animal feces. Examples include sprouts, melons, lettuce, tomatoes, and spinach. Processed foods: Items such as flour and peanut butter have occasionally been linked to outbreaks due to contamination during production or storage. Pet foods: Particularly those containing raw meat, which can indirectly infect humans handling the food. Contact with infected animals: Reptiles, birds, and some pets can carry Salmonella, transmitting it to humans. Proper cooking, good hygiene, and safe food handling practices are essential to prevent Salmonella infection. The CFIA says it is working to ensure all affected products are removed from the marketplace. Due to delays in illness reporting, more cases may be reported as the investigation continues.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Major Canada meat recall over Salmonella risk; over 60 salami products included across six provinces
A major recall of more than 60 salami and cacciatore meat products has been issued across six Canadian provinces due to possible salmonella contamination . The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada announced the recall on Friday, July 18, following an ongoing foodborne illness investigation by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The affected products were distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The recalled items were sold in grocery stores, butcher shops, cafes, restaurants, and deli counters. 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Alberta reported the highest number, with 67 cases, followed by 17 in Ontario and one each in British Columbia and Manitoba. Nine people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Live Events The illnesses were reported between mid-April and late June. According to PHAC, many of those who got sick had consumed sandwiches or deli meats later confirmed to be part of the recall. List of affected brands The recall includes products from the following brands: Bona Cosmo's Smoked Meats Imperial Meats Longos Luc's European Meats Cheese & Eats Marini Salumi Naturissimo P&E Foods Rea Speziale Fine Foods Superior Meats T.J. Meats Vince's Cured Meats Corp. Some of the specific items include Rea and Bona brand Genoa salami and sweet soppressata, already recalled earlier in July. What consumers should do Health officials advise consumers not to consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute any of the recalled products. If you have purchased any, return them to the store or throw them out. If you're unsure whether a prepared food product, such as a sandwich, contains recalled meats, contact the place of purchase. Anyone diagnosed with salmonella or experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps should avoid preparing food for others and seek medical attention if needed. Salmonella risks and treatment Salmonella is a bacterial illness that can cause severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. It can also lead to long-term complications such as arthritis. Contaminated food may look or smell normal but still carry the bacteria. Common Food Sources of Salmonella Salmonella bacteria are most frequently found in: Raw or undercooked meat and poultry: Contamination can occur during processing or slaughter. Chicken and turkey are common carriers. Raw or undercooked eggs and egg products: Eggs can contain Salmonella either on the shell or inside before the shell forms. Unpasteurized milk and dairy products: Raw milk can harbor Salmonella if it hasn't been pasteurized. Seafood: Especially raw or harvested from contaminated waters. Fruits and vegetables: Contamination can happen through irrigation with contaminated water or contact with animal feces. Examples include sprouts, melons, lettuce, tomatoes, and spinach. Processed foods: Items such as flour and peanut butter have occasionally been linked to outbreaks due to contamination during production or storage. Pet foods: Particularly those containing raw meat, which can indirectly infect humans handling the food. Contact with infected animals: Reptiles, birds, and some pets can carry Salmonella, transmitting it to humans. Proper cooking, good hygiene, and safe food handling practices are essential to prevent Salmonella infection. The CFIA says it is working to ensure all affected products are removed from the marketplace. Due to delays in illness reporting, more cases may be reported as the investigation continues.


Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Salami salmonella outbreak: 2 new Ontario cases bring Canada's total to 86
A salmonella outbreak in Canada connected with recalled salami has made more people sick. Two new confirmed cases of salmonella in Ontario have been added to the growing number who have become ill. As of July 15, 86 confirmed cases have been reported — one case in B.C., 67 in Alberta, one in Manitoba, and 17 in Ontario, according to data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). As of July 11, there were 84 confirmed cases of salmonella reported. Did you buy salami? A salmonella outbreak sickens more people in Canada. The illness reported in British Columbia is related to travel to Alberta. At first, the public health agency reported the outbreak had sickened less than 60 people in Ontario and Alberta — and sent seven to hospital. But three updates have shown growing numbers of people getting ill in more provinces . On July 11, public health is reported nine people have been hospitalized. That number remained the same in the July 15 update. The outbreak investigation is ongoing. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a food recall warning for certain Rea-brand Genoa salami and Bona-brand Genova salami. Both are recalled due to salmonella following an investigation into food-borne illnesses. Recalled meat was distributed in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. The list of recalled meat has grown. Rea brand Soppressata Salami Sweet has also now been recalled . 'These products may have been used in prepared products like sandwiches or sold at deli counters,' the public health agency warned in its first outbreak notice, published June 11. The inspection agency's recall notice said the recalled deli meats were distributed in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba. Public health said the products were distributed to grocery stores, specialty markets, restaurants and cafés, delis and butcher shops. Rea brand Soppressata salami sweet was recalled due to possible salmonella contamination. Check your fridge: Certain Rea-brand Genoa salami and Bona-brand Genova salami are recalled due to possible salmonella contamination. Of those who became ill, 67 per cent are men. Canadians who have become ill range in age from one to more than 100, according to PHAC . No deaths have been reported. Public health reports people have become sick between mid-April and mid-June. 'Many people who became sick reported eating salami in prepared sandwiches or purchased from deli counters where the recalled product was served,' it said. Most people who become ill from a salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days without treatment, but it can also cause severe illness and hospitalization. Those at higher risk for serious illness include older adults, young children, those who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems. Salmonellosis has a wide range of symptoms. Some people don't get sick at all. Though, if you do get sick, symptoms usually start within six to 72 hours after exposure. Most symptoms end within four to seven days. Symptoms include: While most people recover completely on their own, some people may have a more serious illness that requires hospital care or may lead to long-lasting health effects. You can report a food concern or complaint to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency online. Consumers can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of products by filling out a consumer product incident report form . You can check for more recall notices published by Health Canada and CFIA online . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Global News
4 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Tory MPs, health group call for investigation and overhaul of vaccine support program
Four Conservative MPs are calling for a Commons committee investigation into the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP), and a pivotal non-profit health foundation says the effort needs an urgent overhaul. Led by Dan Mazier, the Conservative health critic and deputy chairman of the Commons Health Committee, the group requested in a letter that Liberal MP and committee chairperson Hedy Fry convene for an emergency hearing. Fry did not respond to their request. 'This is more than mismanagement,' their letter read. 'It appears to be a blatant misuse of tax dollars. The Liberals handed out tens of millions of dollars to high priced consultants while the very Canadians this program was intended to help have been neglected.' The other Conservatives who signed the letter included Kitchener-area MP Dr. Matt Strauss, South Okanagan MP Helena Konanz, and Red Deer MP Burton Bailey. Story continues below advertisement A political aide to Hedy Fry said she was unavailable for an interview. 'Dr. Fry is spending time with her family currently where there are connectivity issues and unreliable reception. I've been having a hard time reaching her. As such, it seems she is not available to discuss,' Fry's political staffer replied in an email. The criticisms emerged this week in the wake of a five-month Global News investigation into the Liberal government's 2020 announcement it would create VISP and the Public Health Agency of Canada's decision to outsource its administration to the Ottawa consulting firm, Oxaro Inc., in 2021. Oxaro did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. The five-month Global News investigation that prompted the outcry revealed that: Oxaro has received $50.6 million in taxpayer money. $33.7 million has been spent on administrative costs, while injured Canadians received $16.9 million. Updated Health Canada figures released Thursday show the company has now received $54.1 million and spent $36.3 million on administration costs, with $18.1 million paid to injured Canadians PHAC and Oxaro underestimated the number of injury claims VISP would get, initially predicting 40 per year and then up to 400 valid claims annually. More than 3,317 applications have been filed — of those, more than 1,738 people await decisions on their claims Some injured applicants say they face a revolving door of unreachable VISP case managers and require online fundraising campaigns to survive. Others said their applications were unfairly rejected by doctors they've never spoken to or met. 2:48 Whistleblowers allege 'high school' workplace inside federal program In previous emails sent to Global News, Oxaro has said that the program processes, procedures and staffing (of VISP) were adapted to face the challenge of receiving substantially more applications than originally planned. Story continues below advertisement 'Oxaro and PHAC have been collaborating closely to evaluate how the program can remain agile to handle the workload on hand while respecting budget constraints,' it added. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Oxaro also said that its monthly invoices to the government include documents and details, which in turn PHAC reviews and approves prior to payment. In response to questions from Global News, Health Canada spokesperson Mark Johnson replied in an email that PHAC, 'continuously conducts analyses of the program to identify both shortfalls as well as opportunities to better support people in Canada who have experienced a serious and permanent injury following vaccination.' 3:02 Federal Vaccine Injury Support Program leaving some injured people waiting for years The Global News investigation also found that despite decades of calls for a vaccine injury support program, the federal government cobbled it together during the pandemic and underestimated the number of claims it would receive. Story continues below advertisement Darryl Bedford, president of the GBS-CIDP Foundation of Canada (GBS), is calling for an overhaul of the four-year old program, demanding it improve the speed of decision-making and support for the vaccine injured. 'We're very concerned. And we think that there really needs to be a close look or overhaul of this,' said Bedford, who runs the national registered charity that supports people with neurological disorders such as GBS. 'It doesn't feel like it's working to us.' View image in full screen Darryl Bedford, the President of the Guillain Barre Syndrome Foundation of Canada, discussed the VISP effort with Global News. Global News Bedford said liaison people and volunteers on the ground have told him that they don't feel VISP is 'consistent enough.' Several people who received COVID-19 vaccines developed serious adverse reactions that included GBS, which can cause paralysis, throwing their lives into crisis, according to a Health Canada database that reported adverse reaction events of special interest. Story continues below advertisement Global News uncovered allegations that Oxaro was unequipped to deliver fully on the program's mission, questions about why the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) chose this company over others, and internal documents that suggested poor planning from the start. Former Oxaro workers described a workplace that lacked the gravitas of a program meant to assist the seriously injured and chronically ill: office drinking, ping pong, slushies and Netflix streaming at desks. View image in full screen The VISP prepared this brochure to explain the process of applying and getting financial support to people injured by COVID-19 vaccines. Global News Bedford said those vaccine-injured people need help and rapid support. 'When you experience a sudden tragedy that rips your life apart, you need support within days or weeks. To have to wait months or years for a decision on financial help from the VISP is completely unacceptable,' he said. 'It doesn't feel like it's (VISP is) responsive enough,' he added. 'It doesn't feel like the primary goal is support.' Story continues below advertisement 'It feels like the majority of the money is going to the (program) administration, and it doesn't feel like there's an organized process for getting the information, making a decision and getting the money out the door,' Bedford added. 4:04 'Chaos' inside Federal Vaccine Injury Support Program Bedford revealed that members of the GBS Foundation were surprised and concerned when the Liberal government decided to outsource the program to Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Consulting Inc., now named Oxaro Inc. 'We were concerned internally when Oxaro or the subsidiary of Grant Thornton was named because there are public and private entities that have experience processing claims. And these are organizations that Canadians would know and have established processes for managing cases and making decisions on cases,' Bedford added. 'It was a surprise to us because, you know, there are household names that you could think of that process health benefit claims.' Story continues below advertisement Global News reported that one of the unsuccessful bidders was Green Shield Canada, a national health-claims benefit manager with more than 60 years in the business. In its proposal to the government, Oxaro (at the time called RCGT Consulting Inc.), noted that its prior claims experience involved processing health insurance claims between 2012 and 2015 for a small regional insurer that became insolvent and entered a liquidation. It also runs a much smaller program for the government that hands out grants to the families of dead first reponders. PHAC said that a six-person committee that reviewed proposals from four companies 'unanimously' picked RCGT Consulting, over Green Shield and three companies. PHAC says it is reviewing Oxaro's five-year arrangement to administer VISP, which is up for renewal next year. A compliance audit was also launched last month after Global News started asking questions about Oxaro's management of claims. Want to contact us? Email or


CTV News
15-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
More salami recalled amid Salmonella outbreak
Rea's sweet soppressata salami joins the latest recalls linked to an outbreak of Salmonella infections. (Handout) The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for Rea's sweet soppressata salami due to possible salmonella contamination. The affected product is identified by its Universal Product Code 841571 042200. Consumers are urged to check for affected products and dispose of or return any items matching the listed UPC immediately. The latest recall comes on the heels of a salmonella outbreak tied to pork deli meats sold at grocery stores and in prepared sandwiches. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said the infections are linked to Rea brand Genoa Salami Sweet, Rea brand Genoa Salami Hot and Bona brand Mild Genova Salam - which was recalled by the CFIA on June 10 in three provinces. Since April, 84 people have gotten sick and there have now been nine hospitalizations, according to the PHAC. As of July 11, 67 people are sickened in Alberta, 15 people in Ontario and one person in Manitoba. One illness reported in B.C. is related to travel to Alberta. What is Salmonella? Salmonella is a food-borne bacterial illness that can spread several days or weeks after a person is infected, even if they don't have symptoms. According to the CFIA, healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Severe arthritis is a possibility in long-term complications, it added. Salmonella-contaminated food may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause illness, it warned. The CFIA says most people who become ill from a salmonella infection can recover fully after a few days without treatment, while in other cases it can cause severe illness and hospitalization. What you should do Consumers are urged to check product labels and UPC codes against CFIA's alerts. The health agency also advises consumers to not consume any recalled items or food containing them and discard or return affected items to the place of purchase.