Hundreds of people have been confirmed with salmonella poisoning from contaminated bean sprouts in Canada's Ontario province and health officials are warning the public to avoid eating them.

Dr. Sheela Basrur, Ontario's medical officer of health said Wednesday 336 cases of salmonella poisoning have been identified so far. However, that number probably represents "the tip of the iceberg," he said.

"We may have a far greater degree of human illness in Ontario than we can even measure at this point," said Basrur.

So far, 27 of the 36 regional public health units in Ontario have reported cases of illness that have been tracked back to the thin, white sprouts, which are often used in salads and Asian meals.

Outbreaks seemed to begin in the Kingston area with 14 people. Another 10 or 12 patients were suspected of being part of the same cluster of symptoms, according to Dr. Ian Gemmill, chief medical officer of health for Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington.

Gemmill said at first the salmonella outbreak was linked to a local restaurant, but a wider investigation indicated that it was related to wider distribution in stores.

Last week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) warned the public not to consume mung bean sprout products distributed by Toronto Sun Wah Trading Inc., also known as Hollend Enterprises Inc.

The advisory is now extended to all bean sprouts until the source of the contamination is found.

Outside of Ontario there are no reports of any related cases of salmonella poisoning, according to federal health authorities.

Salmonella is most often associated with other foods like contaminated meat or dairy products that have not been pasteurized. However, sprouts have been known to carry the bacteria.

Food may also become contaminated by infected food handlers, who forgot to wash their hands with soap after using the bathroom.

Most people infected with the salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps that last four to seven days. While most people recover without treatment, in some cases the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the infection could spread and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to experience a severe illness.

Source: Xinhua