The BC Centre for Disease Control has issued a warning about a salmonella outbreak after several people became ill after eating headcheese.

Over the past two weeks, 10 cases of a rare strain of salmonella have been identified among B.C. residents, according to the centre.

The only common food consumed by those affected was headcheese, which had been purchased from various stores throughout the province from mid- to late June, said a statement issued Wednesday morning.

Salmonella facts

Salmonella are naturally occurring bacteria found in the intestines of animals, particularly poultry, cattle and swine, which can contaminate meat, eggs, dairy and raw fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms of salmonella infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fever and headache. These symptoms occur six to 72 hours after eating contaminated food, and can last a few days to a week.

Most people recover without treatment, but some people may become more seriously ill with bloodstream infections and severe dehydration.

If symptoms persist more than a few days or are unusually severe, sick people should see their doctor.

People at highest risk of severe infection include young children, elderly people and those with weak immune systems.

Source: BC Centre for Disease Control

Headcheese is a deli product made from meat from the head of a pig, combined with gelatin and spices, said the statement.

"The majority of infected people were elderly, and approximately half required hospitalization," said Dr. Eleni Galanis, a physician epidemiologist at the BCCDC.

"There may be other people who also experienced symptoms, but did not see their doctors, leaving potentially more unreported cases," she said in the statement.

Freybe Gourmet Foods Ltd. was voluntarily recalling the product, which is produced by a third-party manufacturer, said officials.

But because the headcheese is sliced and packaged at deli counters in various stores, most consumers may not be aware of the brand of headcheese purchased, Galanis said.

"If you purchased headcheese from mid-June to July 13, and are uncertain if it is associated with this recall, please call the store where it was purchased to identify the brand," said Galanis.

The BCCDC is working with B.C. Health Authorities and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to investigate other possible cases and the cause of the contamination and is urging the public to dispose of any headcheese they may have purchased recently, she said.