Public Health Notice - Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Celebrate brand  frozen classic/classical and egg nog flavoured profiteroles (cream puffs) and mini chocolate eclairs

This notice has been updated to include three additional cases of illness that have been reported in the ongoing outbreak investigation. In total, there are 76 cases reported across seven provinces. A third individual has died; however, it has not been determined whether Salmonella was a contributing cause of this death.

On April 26, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a food recall warning linked to this outbreak. Consumers are reminded to check their freezers for any recalled Celebrate brand frozen profiteroles (cream puffs) and mini chocolate eclairs. Do not eat these products, throw them out immediately or return them to the store where they were purchased. For more detailed information on the food recall warning, including product photos and UPC codes, consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's website.

Why you should take note

The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella infections involving seven provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported.
Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to Celebrate brand classic/classical and egg nog flavoured profiteroles (cream puffs) and Celebrate brand mini chocolate eclairs has been identified as the likely source of the outbreak. Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating one or more of these products before their illnesses started. These products which come in small resealable plastic tubs were sold in the freezer section at grocery stores.

On April 26, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a food recall warning for Celebrate brand profiteroles and Celebrate brand mini chocolate eclairs. These products were sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and may have been distributed in other provinces or territories. For additional food recall details on product names and lot codes, please consult CFIA's website.

Canadians are advised not to eat any recalled Celebrate brand profiteroles and Celebrate brand mini chocolate eclairs. Restaurants and retailers are also advised not to sell or serve any recalled products, or any items that may have been prepared or produced using recalled products.

The investigation is ongoing and it is possible that more products linked to the outbreak investigation may be identified. If you have any Celebrate brand profiteroles or mini eclairs products without the original packaging and are unsure if these products are linked to this outbreak, throw them out just to be safe. The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation which may lead to the recall of other products. If other products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated food recall warnings.

This public health notice will be updated on a regular basis as the investigation evolves.

Investigation summary

As of May 2, 2019, there have been 76 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (27), Alberta (13), Saskatchewan (10), Manitoba (10), Ontario (13), Quebec (2), and Newfoundland and Labrador (1). Individuals became sick between November 2018 and early April 2019. Twenty individuals have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported; however, it has not been determined whether Salmonella was a contributing cause in these deaths. Individuals who became ill are between 1 and 88 years of age. The majority of cases (59%) are female.

Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating Celebrate brand classic/classical or egg nog flavoured profiteroles or mini chocolate eclairs purchased at various grocery stores before their illnesses occurred.

The CFIA has issued a food recall warning for Celebrate brand profiteroles and Celebrate brand mini chocolate eclairs. The food recall warning was triggered by findings from the outbreak investigation.

It is possible that more recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because there is a period of time between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between four and five weeks.

This notice has been updated to include three additional cases of illness that have been reported in the ongoing investigation and new information about the source of this outbreak, including a food recall warning.

Illnesses reported in the outbreak have been linked to Celebrate brand classic/classical and egg nog flavoured profiteroles (cream puffs) and mini chocolate eclairs. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall warning for these products. Do not eat recalled Celebrate brand profiteroles or mini chocolate eclairs.

Investigation summary

As of April 27, 2019, there have been 73 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (27), Alberta (12), Saskatchewan (9), Manitoba (10), Ontario (13) and Quebec (2). Individuals became sick between November 2018 and late March 2019. Nineteen individuals have been hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported; however, it has not been determined whether Salmonella was a contributing cause in these deaths. Individuals who became ill are between 1 and 88 years of age. The majority of cases (59%) are female.

Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating Celebrate brand classic/classical or egg nog flavoured profiteroles or mini chocolate eclairs purchased at various grocery stores before their illnesses occurred.

The CFIA has issued a food recall warning for Celebrate brand profiteroles and Celebrate brand mini chocolate eclairs. The food recall warning was triggered by findings from the outbreak investigation.

It is possible that more recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because there is a period of time between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between four and five weeks.

This notice has been updated to reflect seven additional cases of illness that have been reported in the ongoing investigation. There are now 70 Salmonella illnesses under investigation.

Why you should take note

The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella infections involving six provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

The source of the outbreak has not been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. Outbreak investigators are gathering information on possible sources. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is issuing this public health notice to inform Canadians of the investigation findings to date and to share important safe food handling practices to help prevent further Salmonella infections.

This public health notice will be updated on a regular basis as the investigation evolves.

Investigation summary

As of April 15, 2019, there have been 70 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (27), Alberta (12), Saskatchewan (8), Manitoba (10), Ontario (11) and Quebec (2). Individuals became sick between November 2018 and March 2019. Eighteen individuals have been hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported; however, it has not been determined whether Salmonella was a contributing cause in these deaths. Individuals who became ill are between 1 and 88 years of age. The majority of cases (60%) are female.

It is possible that more recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because there is a period of time between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between four and five weeks.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting a food safety investigation. If contaminated food products are identified, they will take the necessary steps to protect the public, including recalling food products as required. Currently there are no Food Recall Warnings associated with this outbreak.

What you should do to protect your health

It is difficult to know whether a product is contaminated with Salmonella because you can't see, smell or taste it. The best ways to prevent Salmonella illnesses are to use safe food handling practices every day. The following food preparation tips may help reduce your risk of getting sick, but they may not fully eliminate the risk of illness.

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling and preparing food.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked foods such as meats, poultry, fish, shellfish and egg products.
• Cook all raw foods such as meats, poultry, fish and eggs (including raw frozen food products) to a safe internal temperature to ensure that they are safe to eat. Use a digital food thermometer to verify the temperature. Insert the thermometer stem into the thickest part of the food, away from bone, fat or gristle. Make sure it is inserted all the way to the middle.
• Microwave cooking of raw foods such as meats, poultry, fish and eggs (including raw frozen food products) is not recommended because of the possibility of uneven heating.
• Use a separate plate, cutting board and utensils when handling raw meat or poultry products to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria like Salmonella.
• Prevent cross-contamination: Do not re-use plates, cutting boards or utensils that have come in contact with raw meat and poultry products to serve the cooked product unless they have been thoroughly washed.
• Use paper towels to wipe kitchen surfaces, or change dishcloths daily to avoid the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria, and avoid using sponges as they are harder to keep bacteria-free.
• Sanitize countertops, cutting boards and utensils before and after preparing food. Use a kitchen sanitizer (following the directions on the container) or a bleach solution (5 mL household bleach to 750 mL of water), and rinse with water.
• Do not prepare food for other people if you think you are sick with a Salmonella infection or suffering from any other contagious illness causing diarrhea.

Investigation summary

As of April 5, 2019, there have been 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (23), Alberta (10), Saskatchewan (8), Manitoba (10), Ontario (10) and Quebec (2). Individuals became sick between November 2018 and March 2019. Eighteen individuals have been hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported; however, it has not been determined whether Salmonella was a contributing cause in these deaths. Individuals who became ill are between 1 and 87 years of age. The majority of cases (57%) are female.

It is possible that more recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because there is a period of time between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between four and five weeks.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting a food safety investigation. If contaminated food products are identified, they will take the necessary steps to protect the public, including recalling food products as required. Currently there are no Food Recall Warnings associated with this outbreak.