Salmonella cases linked to U.S.-grown red onions

OTTAWA — Health authorities have warned consumers in Central and Western Canada to avoid eating red onions imported from the U.S. that have been linked to a salmonella outbreak.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said it’s working with its U.S. counterparts to investigate an outbreak of salmonella infections across five provinces.

Investigators believe U.S.imported red onions are a likely source of the outbreak, and have advised consumers in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario to steer clear of the raw vegetable and food products that contain it.

Food distributor Sysco has recalled 10- and 25-pound bags of Imperial Fresh jumbo red onions in those provinces.

The health agency said Canadian-grown red onions are not affected by the advisory.

By Thursday, the agency had confirmed 114 cases of salmonella newport illness, including 55 new infections since July 24.

They include 43 cases in B.C., 55 in Alberta, 13 in Manitoba, two in Ontario and a person in P.E.I. who reported falling ill after travelling to Alberta. Federal officials said Saskatchewan is investigating some salmonella newport illnesses, but have not confirmed that they’re related to the outbreak.

The health agency said people are believed to have fallen ill between mid-June and mid-July. Of the 102 cases for which information is available, 16 people were admitted to hospital. No deaths have been reported.

The agency said the investigation is continuing, and it’s possible that additional sources of infection will be identified and food recall warnings could be issued.