Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Frozen Corn, Not Fresh Avocados

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the ongoing Salmonella outbreak that now has 84 illnesses reported is linked to frozen whole-kernel corn, not fresh avocados as previously reported. Based on their investigation with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada, the outbreak is linked to Alasko brand frozen whole kernel corn imported by New Alasko Limited Partnership.

The CFIA has issued food recall warnings for the following brands:

Alasko IQF whole kernel corn, 12 kg (6x2 kg)
UPC: 1 069505 816003 4
Codes: Lot: GT21120 P.O: 112943
Sold in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. It’s possible that some of these products were distributed nationally.

Alasko IQF whole kernel corn, 12 kg (6x2 kg)
UPC: 1 069505 816003 4
Codes:
Lot: GT21117 P.O: 112954
Lot: GT21123 P.O: 112944
Lot: GT21143 P.O: 112955
Sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec. It’s possible that some of these products were distributed nationally.

Fraser Valley Meats Whole Kernel Corn (frozen), ~2 kg
UPC: 2 000921 000002
Codes: Sold between December 3 and December 15, 2021
Sold in British Columbia.

People are advised not to eat, use, sell or serve any of the recalled Alasko or Fraser Valley Meats brands of frozen whole-kernel corn. This advice applies to food service establishments such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, cafeterias and long-term care homes across Canada.

Additional food recall warnings are possible as the investigation continues.

Food safety practices to help reduce risk of Salmonella infection

To help reduce the risk of infection, individuals as well as food service establishments are advised to:

• Properly clean and sanitize all storage areas and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled Alasko or Fraser Valley Meats brand of frozen whole-kernel corn. This includes freezers, refrigerators, containers, utensils and countertops.
• Do not handle or cook food for other people if you have been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal or contagious illness.
• Always follow package directions when cooking frozen vegetables, and remember that frozen vegetables are not ready-to-eat products.
• Always follow proper hand hygiene, including washing your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds after handling frozen vegetables.