Canada's food watchdog is warning consumers that certain chicken sandwiches sold in Quebec, Ontario and possibly Atlantic Canada are being recalled because they may be tainted with listeria monocytogenes.

Gatineau-based Les Aliments Martel Inc. is recalling the following sandwiches:

• Martel's chicken sandwich, 160 g, UPC 0 67585 38064 4, best before date Feb. 5, 2008.
  
• La Maisonnée sandwich wheat bread, white chicken salad, 160 g, UPC 0 78302 60089 1, best before date Jan. 25, 2008.
  
• La Maisonnée sandwich club, white chicken salad, 240 g, UPC 0 78302 51472 3, best before date Jan. 25, 2008.
  

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 Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 1-800-442-2342.

Recall notice