Listeriosis outbreak leaves 1 dead, 16 sick; meat recall expanded
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 | 10:09 AM ET
CBC News
Health officials confirmed Wednesday that one person has died and at least 16 others got sick from listeriosis.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said 17 cases of the Listeria monocytogenes strain have been identified across Canada, including 13 in Ontario, two in B.C., one in Saskatchewan and one in Quebec. No further details about the person who died in Ontario have been disclosed.
Ontario medical officials are also investigating another 16 probable cases of the same strain in the province.
"I strongly advise the public, especially those at high risk for listeriosis, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems, to make sure they avoid consuming these products," Dr. David Williams, Ontario's chief medical officer of health said in a release.
Earlier in the day, Maple Leaf Foods announced it was expanding a recall of its packaged meats because they might contain the Listeria monocytogenes strain and said it was temporarily closing a Toronto plant that prepares the products.
'We have a strong culture of food safety that these incidents do not uphold, and we are taking every step required to maintain our very high standards.'—Maple Leaf Consumer Foods president Rick Young
But Health Canada is not drawing a direct link between the two events.
The Public Health Agency of Canada and provincial public authorities are trying to confirm the source of illnesses.
Maple Leaf said Wednesday it was recalling all products prepared at the plant since June 2 and temporarily closing the factory to re-evaluate its food safety procedures.
On Sunday, the meat packer announced it had discovered the bacteria that causes listeriosis in Sure Slice roast beef and corned beef produced at the Toronto facility and issued a recall on those products.
As of Wednesday, some 23 products, including a variety of turkey, smoked meat and roast beef products, were subject to a recall.
Brand names for the recalled products include Schneiders, Sure Slice, Deli Gourmet and Burns Bites. A complete list of affected products is available on both the Maple Leaf Foods website and that of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The 23 products involved in the expanded recall carry an "establishment number" of 97B and have best-before dates ranging from Sept. 30 to Jan. 1, 2009.
Listeriosis cases reported in 4 provinces
Cases of listeriosis have been identified in four provinces, but no direct link has been made to Maple Leaf products, Public Health Agency of Canada spokesman Philippe Brideau said Wednesday.
Since June, 13 cases have been reported in Ontario, two in B.C. and one each in Saskatchewan and Quebec. The agency is working with provincial and local health authorities in an effort to confirm the source of the outbreak, Brideau said.
A number of the affected products are part of an investigation into the listeriosis outbreak, but a link has yet to be confirmed, said Canadian Food Inspection Agency official Garfield Balsom.
The agency said some of the Maple Leaf meat products, which are distributed to nursing homes, restaurants and deli counters across the country — including McDonald's and Mr. Sub — tested positive for listeria bacteria.
'It sure would be nice if we went back to local meat producers only producing and distributing for local markets. Now a problem arises in one central plant and the entire country is affected.'
—Tall Curtis
The agency first became aware of possible problems when it was notified of a listeriosis outbreak on Aug. 6 by a particular health unit and subsequent investigation led officials to Maple Leaf's Toronto facility, he said.
"We believe it is important to take … broader preventative actions to respond to this situation promptly, comprehensively, and in the best interests of our consumers," said Maple Leaf Consumer Foods President Rick Young. "We have a strong culture of food safety that these incidents do not uphold, and we are taking every step required to maintain our very high standards."
McDonald's takes precautions
McDonald's Canada said Wednesday it was temporarily removing the turkey BLT sandwich from its menu as a "precautionary measure" — the only item on the restaurant chain's menu that is affected.
"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but food safety and quality at McDonald's will not be compromised," the company said in a release.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and are taking guidance from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency."
Consumption of food tainted with listeria can lead to high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. The illness is a particular danger to pregnant women and their unborn children, people with weakened immune systems, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease or AIDS, and the elderly.
With files from the Canadian Press
