Deadly Listeria Outbreak in Canada Likely to Grow
Monday August 25, 2008
Updated: Wednesday September 10, 2008
A national and deadly outbreak of listeriosis has been definitely linked to recalls of meat products from a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto, officials from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed in a news release.
So far 15 people have died with listeriosis as the underlying or contributing cause of death, and the role of listeriosis is being investigated in another five deaths; 42 cases of listeriosis have been confirmed; and another 16 cases are under investigation. Since the symptoms of listeriosis can occur for up to 70 days after eating contaminated food, it is likely the numbers of confirmed and suspected cases will continue to grow.
Maple Leaf Foods has been cooperating with federal, provincial and local health authorities, and when the results of initial product tests come back the company announced they were recalling more products as a precaution. The Toronto plant has been temporarily shut down and is being sanitized.
Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria which can be found in dairy products, vegetables, fish and meat products. The elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible. Listeriosis is a rare but serious illness and can sometimes result in death.
Canadians should be sure to avoid all recalled food products and take the following safety precautions:
More About Listeria Outbreak in Canada
Listeria Investigation
Listeriosis - Risks, Symptoms and Precautions
Listeria - Recalled Products - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
More Canadians Could be Infected by Listeria - CTV News
Meat Recall Expands; Ottawa Warns of Higher Toll - Globe and Mail
Feds on Defensive Over Fallout Over Listeria Outbreak - CTV News
A national and deadly outbreak of listeriosis has been definitely linked to recalls of meat products from a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto, officials from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed in a news release.
So far 15 people have died with listeriosis as the underlying or contributing cause of death, and the role of listeriosis is being investigated in another five deaths; 42 cases of listeriosis have been confirmed; and another 16 cases are under investigation. Since the symptoms of listeriosis can occur for up to 70 days after eating contaminated food, it is likely the numbers of confirmed and suspected cases will continue to grow.
Maple Leaf Foods has been cooperating with federal, provincial and local health authorities, and when the results of initial product tests come back the company announced they were recalling more products as a precaution. The Toronto plant has been temporarily shut down and is being sanitized.
Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria which can be found in dairy products, vegetables, fish and meat products. The elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible. Listeriosis is a rare but serious illness and can sometimes result in death.
Canadians should be sure to avoid all recalled food products and take the following safety precautions:
- Cook leftover foods or ready to eat food until steaming hot before eating.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk
- Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating
- Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods.
- Consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible.
More About Listeria Outbreak in Canada
Listeria Investigation
Listeriosis - Risks, Symptoms and Precautions
Listeria - Recalled Products - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
More Canadians Could be Infected by Listeria - CTV News
Meat Recall Expands; Ottawa Warns of Higher Toll - Globe and Mail
Feds on Defensive Over Fallout Over Listeria Outbreak - CTV News
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