OTTAWA, January 21, 2009 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and S. Bourassa (St-Sauveur) Limited are warning the public not to consume the sliced leeks described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The affected product, S. Bourassa (St-Sauveur) Sliced Leeks is sold in packages of various weights (approximately 250g to 400g) bearing "EMP. LE 13/01/2009 (January 13, 2009) to 20/01/2009 (January 20, 2009)", "MEIL. AV. 20/01/2009 (January 20, 2009) to 27/01/2009 (January 27, 2009)", and code 160305X.
These products have been distributed in Quebec.
This recall is being initiated as this product contains sliced leeks recalled by Les Cultures de Chez Nous Inc., Sainte-Brigitte-des-Saults, QC. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this 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 packer, S. Bourassa (St-Sauveur) Limited, St-Sauveur, Quebec is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:
S. Bourassa (St-Sauveur) Limited at 450-227-4737
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/cause/listeriae.shtml
For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.
-30-
Media Inquiries:
