Prince George, B.C.- At least one case of a rare strain of salmonella has occurred in the Northern Health region.  Nine other cases of this strain (S.Chester) have been identified among B.C. residents over the past two weeks.   At least five of the cases required hospitalization.

 

The only common food consumed by these patients was headcheese, which had been purchased from various stores throughout the province from mid- to late June.

 

The BC Centre for Disease Control is asking British  Columbians who may have purchased Freybe headcheese to discard it or return it to their place of purchase as it may be associated with this salmonella outbreak.

 

Headcheese is a deli product made from meat from the head of a pig, combined with gelatine and spices.

 

"The majority of infected people were elderly”,explains Dr. Eleni Galanis, physician epidemiologist at the BCCDC, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. "There may be other people who also experienced symptoms, but did not see their doctors, leaving potentially more unreported cases."

 

Freybe Gourmet Foods Ltd. is voluntarily recalling this product, which is produced by a third-party manufacturer. Because the headcheese is sliced and packaged at deli counters in various stores, most consumers may not be aware of the brand of headcheese purchased.

 

"If you purchased headcheese from mid-June to July 13, and are uncertain if it is associated with this recall, please call the store where it was purchased to identify the brand," explains Galanis.

 

The BCCDC is working with B.C. Health Authorities and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to investigate other possible cases and the cause of the contamination and is urging the public to dispose of the contaminated product or return it to their place of purchase.

 

Symptoms of salmonella infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fever and headache. These symptoms occur six to 72 hours aftereating contaminated food, and can last a few days to a week. Most people recover without treatment. Some people may become more seriously ill with bloodstream infections and severe dehydration. If symptoms persist for longer than a few days or are unusually severe, sick people should see their doctor. People at highest risk of severe infection include young children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems.