Canadian McDonald's removes tomatoes as precaution

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CTV.ca News Staff

McDonald's fast-food outlets in Canada have temporarily removed tomatoes from their menu options, after a U.S Food and Drug Administration advisory warned of a salmonella outbreak.

Signs posted outside franchises across the country informed customers of the missing ingredient.

In a statement to CTV.ca, McDonald's said they haven't experienced any related negative issues to date, but consider this a "precautionary measure."

The FDA alerted American consumers and restaurateurs of a nationwide outbreak of an uncommon type of Salmonella -- serotype Saintpaul -- linked to certain types of raw red tomatoes on Saturday, advising that tomatoe consumption should be limited.

Since mid-April, there have been 145 reported cases of salmonellosis in the States caused by this particular stain. At least 23 related hospitalizations have been reported.

There have been no deaths linked to the outbreak.

The specific type or origin of tomatoes tainted with the dangerous bacteria are still under investigation, but could include red plum, red roma, or round red tomatoes.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, sick and elderly people.

Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

McDonald's pledges to monitor the situation carefully.