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Advice to Consumers -
UPDATE: SALMONELLA IN THE UNITED STATES
OTTAWA, November 3, 2006 - This is an update to the Advice to Consumers
issued on November 2, 2006. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and the
Center for Disease Control (CDC) identified tomatoes consumed in restaurants as
being the likely source of the
Salmonella typhimurium outbreaks reported
in several U.S. states.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of
Canada (PHAC) are working with US
officials to understand the origin and cause of the contaminated tomatoes. Once
that is known, and if the traceback investigation suggests that contaminated
tomatoes may have entered Canada, the CFIA will take appropriate actions
to protect Canadian consumers.
The CFIA is
taking the precautionary step of encouraging the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) to advise its members of this development and of
the measures they can take to protect consumers and restaurant patrons. These
include proper storage, handling and cooking practices and thoroughly washing
fresh fruits and vegetables before serving. Their staff should also wash their
hands and utensils, such as knives and cutting boards, before preparing meals
and after any contact with raw foods.
For more information about salmonella and
food safety, consult the following fact sheets: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/salmonellae.shtml
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/specif/fruvege.shtml.
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Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-228-6682
Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations: 613-948-7970
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