|
|
|
|
| TODAY'S NEWS | SEARCH THE NEWSROOM | NEWS BY MINISTRY |
Toronto Company Stops Distributing Mung Bean Sprouts
TORONTO, Nov. 25 /CNW/ - A Toronto producer and distributor of mung bean
sprouts linked to Ontario's salmonella outbreak has stopped distribution of
the product as local, provincial and federal agencies continue with the
investigation.
Toronto Public Health issued an order today against Toronto Sun Wah
Trading Inc. to halt distribution of bean sprouts (mung beans) as the product
may be contaminated with Salmonella. Sun Wah bean sprouts are distributed
across the province to restaurants and grocery stores, and may be sold under a
store name or the Sun Wah name.
"Our inspectors have taken samples at the food processing facility to
determine the source of the salmonella contamination," said Dr. David McKeown,
Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto. "No bean sprouts will be
distributed from this plant until we are confident that the product is safe
for consumption," said Dr. McKeown.
Two hundred and ninety cases of Salmonella have been reported to the
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care from across the province. The cases have
been reported since the beginning of November. Normally, 20-25 cases are
reported per month at this time of year.
"We have linked this food processing plant to a number of illness in this
outbreak. While this investigation continues, as a precaution, we are advising
the public to avoid eating bean sprouts" said Dr. Sheela Basrur, Ontario's
Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Salmonella can be a mild illness, but for young children, elderly people,
and those with weak immune systems, it can be a very serious disease. If you
have eaten bean sprouts at home or in a restaurant, and are experiencing
illness, contact your physician immediately.
Salmonella can spread from person-to-person. If an infected individual
has diarrhea and is preparing food for others, caring for young children,
elderly or sick people, meticulous hand washing is important to further
prevent the spread of the illness.
Salmonella is a naturally-occurring bacteria found in the intestines of
animals, particularly poultry, cattle and swine. Salmonella can contaminate
raw fruits and vegetables, including sprouts that have been in contact with
unclean water, animal manure, or an infected food handler. Symptoms of
salmonella include fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and
sometimes vomiting. Symptoms occur 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated
food or water.
This news release, along with other media materials, such as matte
stories and audio clips, on other subjects, are available on our website at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section.
For more information on achievements in health care, visit:
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca.
Disponible en français.
-30-
For further information: Media Contacts: Gill Hardy, Toronto Public Health, (416) 338-7871; David Jensen, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197; Members of the general public: (416) 327-4327, or 1-800-268-1154
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
