"As of December 7, there have been 129 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (15), Ontario (17), Quebec (91), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2), and Newfoundland and Labrador (2)," says PHAC.
They also note that 44 people have been hospitalized and 5 deaths have been reported.
"Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed," they say. "Individuals who became ill are between 0 to 100 years of age. The majority of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger (35%), or adults 65 years of age or older (45%)."
PHAC said that they are collaborating with federal and provincial public health partners, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the outbreak.
To ensure your safety, PHAC advises that you do not eat, serve, use, sell, or distribute any Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe, any products made with Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe or any recalled produce. If you cannot verify the brand of cantaloupe you have in your home, they recommend you throw it out.
"People who are infected with Salmonella bacteria can spread Salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don't have symptoms," the government warned.
"Salmonella can spread by person to person contact and contaminated surfaces," they explain. "Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days without treatment, but it can also cause severe illness and hospitalization."
As well as checking to ensure you do not have the product in your home, PHAC has issued guidance on how to protect your health.
"Clean and sanitize all surfaces and storage areas that Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe or any products made with recalled produce may have come in contact with, including countertops, containers, utensils, freezers and refrigerators," they say. "If you have been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal illness, do not cook food for other people."
In October and November, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued notifications about food recalls and warnings for fruit sold across the country.
"Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick," warns the CFIA. "Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis."
The government agency advises that you do not "serve, use, sell or distribute" any of the recalled products listed below, even if it doesn't look or smell like it may be spoiled.
If you think you have become sick by eating recalled food items, the CFIA recommends contacting your doctor immediately.
"The Government of Canada estimates that there are about 4 million cases of foodborne illness in Canada every year," says the feds, noting that some may not even know they have it. "Many foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following these safe food-handling practices: clean, separate, cook and chill."
To stay up to date on what Health Canada is warning Canadians about, more information on recalls, advisories and safety alerts can be found on the government website.
As well, you can sign up to get the alerts emailed straight to your inbox so you never miss out on what the government wants you to be aware of in terms of food safety for yourself and your loved ones.
Five boxes of waffles.Asymina Kantorowicz | Narcity
Bistro Manga — a new all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant in Montreal. 
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