2011 Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Linked to Amira Enterprises Raw Shelled Walnuts, Canada

On April 4, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced that an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 had occurred in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Several people had consumed raw shelled walnuts; walnuts were suspected as the vehicle of infection. The implicated walnuts were distributed by Amira Enterprises of Quebec, Canada, and had been imported from the United States. Products were sold in bulk and packages. Consumers who bought in bulk may not be able to identify the source of the walnuts. The affected products were available for purchase between January 1 and April 4, 2011.

Overview

Outbreak began:April 2011
Affected country:Canada
Pathogen:E. coli O157:H7
Vehicle(s):Nuts
Location(s):Private Home, Retail
Brand name(s):Amira, Merit Selection, Tia
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:14
Number hospitalized:10
Number of deaths:1

Sources & documents

Recall notices
Report / reference links