Outbreak of Parasitic Infections in Saskatoon Farms: Confirmed by AHS (Alberta Health Services)
In early August 2025, a significant outbreak of foodborne illness has been reported in Alberta, Canada. The outbreak, which is being managed by Alberta Health Services (AHS), has led to nearly 70 cases of E. coli infections, with over 40 cases of Entamoeba histolytica parasitic infections identified as of early August[3].
Current Safety Measures and Updates:
- The Saskatoon Farm restaurant, bakery, and the "red house" remain temporarily closed to prevent further exposure[2][3][4]. Other farm activities such as the U-pick Orchard and Farmer’s Market remain open with restrictions[3].
- AHS has expanded the testing and exposure timeframe to include anyone who ate or drank at the facility between July 1 and July 18. Asymptomatic testing is available and symptomatic individuals are urged to call Health Link at 811 or see their primary care provider[3][5].
- AHS advises avoiding any packaged food or drinks made by the facility during the exposure period, including fresh or frozen pies purchased from July 1 to 18[3].
- Investigation has identified likely contamination of the facility's water system as the outbreak source. Saskatoon Farm has switched to a different water source that has been tested and confirmed safe[3].
- A recent inspection found pest issues, including a live mouse in the bakery, constituting health code violations and a “nuisance” at the establishment[1].
- To accommodate visitors, without the on-site restaurant, Saskatoon Farm has facilitated food trucks offering meals and guests are provided with bottled beverages instead of water from the previous source[2][4].
- Laboratory testing also found cases of norovirus and rotavirus, though links to the outbreak remain unclear[2][4][5].
This ongoing investigation reflects comprehensive public health response measures, including containment via closure, expanded testing, public advisories, water system remediation, and pest control enforcement to prevent further Entamoeba histolytica and E. coli infections from the outbreak[1][2][3][4][5].
Entamoeba histolytica, a worldwide pathogen and the second leading cause of parasitic death, is more common in tropical and subtropical areas. However, it is concerning to see such a high number of cases in Alberta. Among those patients, there have been 29 cases of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) infections[3].
It is important to note that E. histolytica causes liver abscess and colitis in 50 million people annually, and infects an estimated 500 million people per year. The outbreak, being managed by AHS, is connected to a restaurant at a southern Alberta business last month[3].
The latest inspection report of the Saskatoon Farm restaurant, conducted on July 29, revealed two violations. No further details were provided about the "nuisance" at the Saskatoon Farm business[1]. The specific restaurant involved in the outbreak is called the Saskatoon Farm.
One person remains in hospital in connection with the outbreak while two other patients have been released[3]. The exact cause of the outbreak is still under investigation, and the public is advised to follow the safety measures outlined by AHS.
- To keep up-to-date on the ongoing investigation and prevent further medical-conditions such as E. coli and Entamoeba histolytica infections, the public is urged to follow health-and-wellness advisories provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
- The health-and-wellness concerns associated with the Saskatoon Farm outbreak have sparked increased attention towards food-and-drink safety, prompting AHS to enforce stricter health code regulations and inspections.
- In light of the ongoing investigation, individuals should prioritize lifestyle choices that promote health, such as avoiding the consumption of packaged food or drinks made by the Saskatoon Farm during the exposure period.
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