Listeria infections identified in Canada have been traced to deli meat

Public health officials in Toronto have confirmed two patients with Listeria monocytogenes infections traced to deli meat.

The sliced, ready-to-eat deli meats were sold by Summerhill Market, according to the Toronto Public Health Department. The meat tested positive for Listeria contamination. 

The affected meat products have labels indicating they were packaged at 446 Summerhill Avenue. They were sold on or before October 3 at the following Summerhill Market locations:

• 446 Summerhill Ave.
• 1054 Mount Pleasant Rd.
• 484 Eglinton Ave. W.
• 1014 Bathurst St.
• 3609 Dundas St. W.
• 32 Wellington Street West, Aurora, York Region

While the health department continues its investigation, consumers are advised to immediately dispose of or return these sliced ready-to-eat deli meat products to the location where they were purchased.

As part of its investigation, health department staff have completed an extensive risk assessment, collected samples of the surfaces and food for testing and ordered a thorough cleaning of the premises and equipment.

Foodborne pathogens are often found on slicing equipment at delis and it is not uncommon for meats and cheeses to be contaminated.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any implicated product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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