Salmonella outbreak linked to pumpkin seeds infects 81 in France

PARIS, Sept 4 - An outbreak of salmonella related to a batch of pumpkin seeds infected 81 people, hospitalising six, in several French regions between May and August, the Health and Agriculture ministries said on Friday.• The public health investigation points to pumpkin seeds processed by a food company located in southwestern France and sold by several retailers, including the Grand Frais chain, the ministries said in a joint statement.• Six of the people infected were hospitalised and two were attended by emergency services. They are all back home after symptoms eased.• The products were recalled.• Salmonella is a group of rod-shaped bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, a common foodborne illness. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. REUTERS