As Chia Seed-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Expands, U.S. and Canadian Agencies Investigate, Cooperate
U.S. and Canadian health agencies continue to report increases in the number of cases of salmonellosis linked to sprouted chia seed products, with current totals at 27 in Canada and 17 in the U.S. Two strains of Salmonella — Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Hartford — have been associated with the outbreaks in both countries.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) yesterday updated its Public Health Notice about the outbreak, noting that 18 more cases of salmonellosis related to chia seed-based products have been reported in four provinces. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday published an Investigation Update, which noted: "a total of 17 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Newport (12 persons) or Salmonella Hartford (5 persons) have been reported from 10 states. Two ill persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported."