OTTAWA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has cautioned the public against consuming North-44 brand smoked salmon sold at McEwan’s grocery store in North York, Ont., although there have been no reports of illness.
McEwan confirmed to Foodservice and Hospitality magazine that his company hasn’t received any complaints about the seafood products and no one has reported any illness. “This was not brought to our attention due to the salmon itself but due to the packaging techniques we were using,” says the chef. “We hold our products to the highest standard and the new breathable bags required have been ordered to ensure we are in full compliance with the regulations.”
The vacuum-packaged seafood products may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by clostridium botulinum may cause botulism, which is a life-threatening illness. The CFIA reports the products affected by the alert are sold in various weights at the grocery store bearing chef Mark McEwan’s name.
Food contaminated with clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with the toxin may cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, double vision, dry throat, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die from botulism.
For more details on the products associated with the recall, visit inspection.gc.ca.
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