Canada's food watchdog is warning consumers that a brand of chopped ham sold in Quebec may be contaminated with the bacterium listeria monocytogenes.

Quebec-based Les Viandes Surfines Inc. was recalling 250g packages of the ham with the UPC code 0 73493 19576 8 and a best before date of Oct. 13, 2007, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Thursday.

No associated illnesses have been reported.

Foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not appear or smell spoiled but may cause listeriosis, the agency said.

Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Listeria monocytogenes can be found in dairy products, vegetables, fish and meat products. The bacterium can be spread by contact with a contaminated product or during food preparation.

For more information, consumers can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.

Recall notice