Whole Foods recalls salsas and guacamole linked to U.S. salmonella outbreak

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recalled 22 Whole Foods Market products sold in Ontario over salmonella contamination, linked to an outbreak in the United States that has sickened more than 345 people.

Recalled items include various guacamoles, pico de gallos, salsas and prepared foods such as chicken quesadillas, with best-before dates up to August 16. The products were distributed in Ontario stores and sold online.

The CFIA says the recall is associated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's investigation into salmonella illnesses related to jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. The FDA reports at least 345 people have fallen ill across the U.S., with 36 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak and no recorded deaths.

The CFIA said there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products in Canada. A Public Health Agency of Canada spokesperson said the agency continually monitors outbreaks of enteric illnesses such as salmonella and is not currently investigating any salmonella illnesses associated with the U.S. outbreak.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes salmonellosis, an intestinal tract infection. Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make people sick. Healthy people may experience fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and potentially deadly infections. People usually begin to exhibit symptoms between six hours and six days after infection, with symptoms lasting four to seven days.

Anyone who thinks they may have become sick from consuming a recalled product should contact their health-care provider.