“Health Canada confirmed Wednesday that one person in Ontario has died as a result of listeriosis.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said 17 cases have been identified across Canada, with 13 of those in Ontario.
Earlier in the day, Maple Leaf Foods announced it was expanding a recall of its packaged meats and temporarily closing a Toronto plant that prepares the products.”
“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 listeria bacteria 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.”
