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York Region Public Health investigating potential toxin in food

September 01, 2022

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Update as of September 1, 2022 - 5 P.M.

  • York Region Public Health can now confirm that the Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder that was implicated in the recent illnesses in York Region residents has tested positive for aconite toxin. This package was marked as Keampferia Galanga Powder with a code AT154 on the packaging
  • We can also report that other packages of Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder with the code AT119 tested negative
  • In our previous communication, we recommended individuals and businesses dispose of all Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder regardless of the packaging code. We continue to recommend this action out of an abundance of caution as we do not know if there was cross-contamination of this product, and the consequences of consuming even a small amount are very severe
  • The distributor of the product has voluntarily recalled all Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder
  • We are pleased to report the condition of the affected individuals is improving and only one remains in hospital

Update as of August 31, 2022 - 11:20 P.M.

  • York Region Public Health continues its investigation of the illnesses resulting from potential aconite poisoning at a restaurant in the City of Markham
  • At this point in the investigation, there is a strong indication the illness was caused by a spice product contaminated with aconite
  • The following products (pictures below) should not be consumed or used:
  • Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder, a common spice in Asian cuisine; this product may be contaminated with aconite toxin (Product Code: AT119 or AT154)
  • Mr. Right brand Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Powder, a product that may be used as a traditional herbal medicine (Product Code: AT154)
  • Public Health recommends individuals who may have this product in their business or home should not consume it and throw it out immediately
  • Laboratory confirmation of the food and other samples collected is underway, results are expected over the next several days
  • The suspected product has been removed from known retail locations across York Region; York Region Public Health continues to work with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Ministry of Health and partners to limit exposure to this product
  • York Region Public Health re-inspected the restaurant on Wednesday, August 31, 2022; the restaurant successfully passed the inspection and is permitted to re-open at their operational preference
Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga and Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Powder
Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga and Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Powder

 

Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga and Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Powder
Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga and Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Powder

Update as of August 31, 2022 - 10:00 A.M.

  • The Regional Municipality of York currently continues investigating reports of individuals becoming seriously ill following a meal at a restaurant in the City of Markham
  • York Region Public Health responded immediately by launching an investigation, closing the restaurant and removing known suspected sources of the product
  • The restaurant continues to cooperate with the York Region Public Health investigation
  • There does not appear to be a significant risk to the public
  • York Region is reinspecting the restaurant on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, and upon a successful reinspection the restaurant will be permitted to reopen 
  • Based on the initial investigation and quick onset of symptoms experienced by ill individuals, the illness may be caused by a food ingredient contaminated with aconite
  • Aconite is derived from plants and plant roots that contain toxic alkaloids and can cause severe illness; aconite containing plants is used in herbal medicine when prepared in a particular way that removes toxins
  • York Region has not yet received laboratory confirmation about whether the contaminated food product contained aconite
  • Samples have been taken from the restaurant, food and other sources and are currently awaiting lab results to confirm the cause of illness; results are expected by the end of the week
  • York Region continues to work with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Ministry of Health to ensure the alleged product is not available elsewhere (such as in other food establishments, grocery stores)
  • To date, York Region Public Health is aware of 12 individuals who experienced symptoms after consuming food from the restaurant on the evening of Sunday, August 28, 2022; most of these individuals have recovered and are no longer in hospital; several remain severely ill in hospital, but their condition is improving
  • Individuals who ate any food from Delight Restaurant & BBQ, located at 1250 Castlemore Avenue, Unit 4 in the City of Markham, on Sunday, August 28, 2022, and who are feeling unwell should seek medical attention
  • Individuals can also contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to report any of the following symptoms after consuming products from the restaurant:
    • Numbness/tingling of the tongue or limbs
    • Diarrhea
    • Stomach cramps
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Headache
    • Irregular or rapid heartbeat
  • This includes individuals who had dine-in, takeout and delivery; please do not consume any leftovers or takeout from the restaurant; Contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 for further instruction
  • YorkSafe is one of the programs run by York Region Public Health that keeps residents and visitors to York Region Safe; it is an inspection disclosure program which allows you to view the most current routine health inspection reports and complaint-based inspection reports for restaurants, pools, splash pads, small drinking water systems, personal service settings, recreational camps and child care centres, including before and after-school programs
  • Green Proof of Public Health Inspection signs are given to establishments that pass inspections; a sticker on the sign shows whether or not a food establishment has at least one certified food handler onsite at the time of inspection; Red Closed signs are given to establishments that do not pass inspection and pose an immediate health hazard
  • Public Health Inspectors may issue charges and orders during their inspections; a charge is a Provincial Offences Notice with set fines; an order is a written or verbal direction under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to correct a health hazard
  • Inspection reports are available at york.ca/yorksafe
  • The Region will provide updates to this issue as more information becomes available