HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

Ready-to-eat deli meat products produced at establishment 97B may contain LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES. All foods produced at this facility have been recalled.

Click here for list of affected food

What is Listeria?
Listeria(Listeria monocytogenes) is a widespread bacterium. It is found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage and the feces of animals and humans. Listeria> can cause Listeriosis, a serious but rare illness that in certain cases can lead to brain infection and even death. The elderly, newborns, pregnant women and those who have a weakened immune system are most susceptible to developing Listeriosis.

What is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a foodborne illness that occurs when a person consumes food contaminated with Listeria bacterium. Although food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled, consumption of it may lead to the foodborne illness, often referred to as food poisoning.

Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 30 days and up to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.  In some instances for those most at risk, these symptoms may be followed by meningitis and/or encephalitis (an infection of the brain or its surrounding tissues) and/or septicemia (blood poisoning), either of which can result in death.

Who is at risk for developing listeriosis?

Those who are highest at risk include:

• Pregnant women
• Newborns
• The elderly
• People with weakened immune systems

What is the difference between a confirmed case and a suspect case?

In this outbreak investigation, a confirmed case is an individual that has Listeria monocytogenes with the same genetic DNA fingerprint as the outbreak strain. In this outbreak investigation, a suspect case is an individual with Listeria monocytogenes and is awaiting fingerprinting pattern results.

Information adapted from thePublic Health Agency of Canada

How can I minimize my risk?

Thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources, such as beef, pork or poultry.

Wash raw vegetables and fruit well before eating;

Do not eat or drink unpasteurized milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk.

Uncooked meats should be kept separate from vegetables and uncooked and ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards thoroughly after touching uncooked food.

Pregnant women and persons at risk should eat only properly cooked meats and pasteurized dairy products. They should also avoid contact with potentially infective materials, such as aborted animal fetuses on farms.

For more information

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Listeria FAQs

Health Canada: Listeria

CDC: Listeriosis