OTTAWA, October 21, 2008 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume ready-to-eat roast beef sold at certain deli counters in Ontario because these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The affected ready-to-eat roast beef was sold in variable weight deli-style plastic bags at the following stores in Ontario during the time periods indicated:
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. 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.
The stores listed above are voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
The original roast beef was manufactured by Les Salaisons Desco Inc. (EST 501). This roast beef had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Consumers who are not sure if the deli roast beef they have is affected by this recall should contact the retailer where the product was purchased.
For more information consumers and industry can call the 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 Listeria monocytogenes, visit the 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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