Several frozen chicken products sold across Canada are being recalled after several people became ill with Salmonella poisoning.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says several lots of No Name and Compliments brand frozen uncooked chicken strips, burgers, and nuggets sold across the country are being recalled due to possible Salmonella.

All the products were made by Sofina Foods Inc.

A number of people have already become ill after eating the products. The CFIA says it announced the recall because of findings made while its investigators looked into those food poisonings.

All the recalled No Name and Compliments chicken burgers, strips and nuggets contain a code that reads "2016 JA 22 EST 374". Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

At the same time, Loblaw is recalling its No Name chicken burgers sold in Atlantic Canada, Ontario and Quebec, also because of possible Salmonella contamination.

The company says its No Name chicken burgers may be "unsafe to consume" due to concerns over the bacteria. It did not state where the products were manufactured.

The Loblaw products were sold at the following locations before July 2.

  • Ontario: Fortinos, Loblaws, No Frills, Box by No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Valu-Mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs and other affiliated independent stores.
  • Atlantic Canada: Atlantic Superstore, Dominion, No Frills, Save Easy and Your Independent Grocer.
  • Quebec: Loblaws, Maxi, Maxi & Cie, Provigo, Provigo le Marche, Intermarche, Whole Sale Club and other affiliated independent stores.

Loblaws says the products have been removed from store shelves and customers can return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled.

The bacteria causes symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, fever and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis. Salmonellosis can be deadly to young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

The CFIA says Salmonella and many other harmful bacteria can be killed by cooking food properly. That is why frozen, raw poultry products should never be microwaved, as it often results in uneven heating and cooking. Instead, always follow the baking instructions on the packaging.