Left Coast Organics brand organic chia seeds have been recalled in Canada because of Salmonella contamination.
The chia seeds were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The agency reported that the recall was triggered by a recall in another country, but did not name the country.
The recalled seeds are packaged in plastic 900-gram pouches and have the UPC number 6 25691 21034 9. They have the code Best Before 26 NO 13 or Best Before 26 NO 14.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled chia seeds and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
