CERTAIN READY-TO-EAT DELI MEAT PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Maple Leaf Consumer Foods are warning the public not to serve or consume a number of ready-to-eat deli meat products because these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. As of August 24, the previous public warning issued on August 18, 2008 was expanded to include all 200 products produced at the Maple Leaf Consumer Foods plant in question (Establishment 97B). These products have been distributed nationally, primarily to food service institutions such as restaurants, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, these products may also be sold at retail and deli counters.
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have received laboratory results that link meat products recalled by Maple Leaf Foods and an outbreak of listeriosis in four provinces (Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Quebec).Results of genetic testing from three samples of the recalled products show that two tested positive for the outbreak strain of listeria.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will continue to work with public health officials, to determine the full extent of the role of any of the recalled products as the source of the Listeria related illnesses being reported.
Western Health has been actively following up on the recall ever since it was originally issued on August 18, 2008. In cooperation with local wholesalers and the CFIA, Western Health has been able to identify and remove all recalled products from its facilities. As a result of the newly expanded recall, Western Health has determined that a limited amount of one of the products was served within its facilities. At this time, the CFIA investigation has not identified any specific meat products as the source of the outbreak; therefore the risk of illness from consuming this product is unknown.
Consumption of food contaminated with this bacterium may cause Listeriosis, a food borne illness. Listeriosis may cause flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, headache, constipation and persistent fever. Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 30 days and up to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.
Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
Any staff suffering from or aware of clients with symptoms consistent with the food borne illnessshould contact Infection Control at WMRH at 637-5434 regarding appropriate specimens for culture.