OTTAWA, December 10, 2006 - The public warning issued earlier today has been updated to clarify distribution and product information.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Queen Victoria brand fresh spinach described below because the product may be contaminated Salmonella.
The affected Queen Victoria brand fresh spinach, a product of USA, is sold in 10oz/284g packages bearing UPC 0 33383 65201 6 and the Best Before date "DEC 07" The affected product may have been distributed nationally.
The Queen Victoria brand fresh baby Spinach is not affected by this alert.
The affected fresh spinach was distributed only in Atlantic provinces.
Although the likelihood of any remaining affected product being sold at the retail level is remote, some consumers may still have this product in their refrigerators. For this reason, consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and not to consume the affected product.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell
spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a
foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems,
salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy
people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache,
vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe
arthritis.
The manufacturer Ippolito Produce, Burlington, Ontario is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry may call one of the following numbers:
Sonja Ilic, Ippolito Produce, at 905-639-1174 extension 2800.
CFIA at
1-800-442-2342/TTY 1-800-465-7735
(8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
For information on Salmonella, visit: Food Facts web page at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml
For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.
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Media enquiries:
René Cardinal
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-295-8909
Fact Sheet: Salmonella
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