The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed a salmonella outbreak affecting 61 people nationwide, with 17 requiring hospitalization. The outbreak has been traced to recalled Sweet Cream brand mini pastries, which were distributed to bakeries, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, retirement homes, and catered events.
Among the reported cases, Quebec accounts for 33, Ontario 21, British Columbia four, Alberta two, and New Brunswick one. Those affected range in age from three to 88 years, with 61% being female. The illnesses occurred between late September and mid-December 2024, with many cases linked to consumption of the recalled mini pastries at catered events or establishments.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for Sweet Cream mini patisserie products, including four-kilogram boxes and one-kilogram trays, with best-before dates from June 17 to November 15, 2025. The CFIA advises that salmonella infection can cause fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, with severe risks for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Public health officials warn that the investigation is ongoing, and additional cases may emerge due to delays between illness onset and reporting.
The pastry recall follows another salmonella-related recall issued this weekend involving eggs in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and other regions. The affected egg brands include Compliments, Foremost, Golden Valley Eggs, IGA, no name, and Western Family, with expiry dates of February 16, February 22, and March 1, 2025. Unlike the pastry recall, the egg recall was precautionary, triggered by test results, with no reported illnesses so far.
Consumers are urged to check their pantries and refrigerators, discard any recalled products, and monitor for symptoms if they suspect exposure to contaminated items.
Source: The Canadian Press
