Canada
The PHA is collaborating with provincial and territorial public health partners, the CFIA and Health Canada to investigate several illnesses resulting from an imported spice product containing aconitine in the province of Ontario. As of September 2, 2022, the PHAC is aware of 11 individuals in Ontario who experienced symptoms consistent with aconitine poisoning after consuming a restaurant meal where the recalled product was used. No deaths have been reported, but five individuals were hospitalized after consuming their meal.
Based on the investigation findings to date, the illnesses are linked to Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder (sand ginger powder), a common spice used in Asian cuisine, which contained aconitine toxin. Aconitine is derived from certain plants and plant roots that contain alkaloid toxins and can cause severe illness, and even death.
On September 1, 2022, the CFIA issued a food recall warning for Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder (sand ginger powder). The recalled product has been sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories. Although there have been no illnesses reported outside the province of Ontario at this time, the distribution and use of this product could result in illnesses in other jurisdictions.
According to PHAC the consumption of aconitine toxin can have a wide range of symptoms. In most cases, symptom onset is rapid and individuals can become seriously ill quickly, requiring hospitalization. Individuals who require hospitalization can recover, but severe outcomes, such as death, are possible. Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours after consumption of aconitine toxin and can include:
- Numbness/tingling of the tongue, lips, face or limbs
- Stomach cramps/pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- More severe clinical presentations are also possible.
In case you are experiencing aconitine poisoning symptoms, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source:
www.canada.ca