OTTAWA, February 15, 2005 -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and G. Brandt Meat Packers Limited are warning the public not to consume Brandt brand "Flat" Smoked Turkey Breast because this product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product, "Flat" Smoked Turkey Breast, is sold at various retail deli counters in sliced format with variable weights. Consumers who may have purchased Brandt brand "Flat" Smoked Turkey Breast from February 9, 2005 to February 15, 2005 inclusive, should check with the retail outlet to determine if they have purchased the affected product. The manufacturer, G. Brandt Meat Packers Limited, Mississauga, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The affected product has been distributed in Ontario and Quebec. Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacterium can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Pregnant women, young children, 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. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall. For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers: G Brandt Meat Packers Limited at 905-279-4460, Ext. 255 CFIA at 1-800-442-2342. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time - Monday to Friday. For information on receiving recalls by electronic mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca. - 30 - Media enquiries: Garfield Balsom (English) Canadian Food Inspection Agency Office of Food Safety and Recall (613) 760-4232 Linda LeBlanc (French) Canadian Food Inspection Agency Office of Food Safety and Recall (613) 760-4112
