HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

CERTAIN OICKLES TASTY BITES BRAND SANDWICHES MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

OTTAWA, October 23, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Oickles Tasty Bites are warning the public not to consume Oickles Tasty Bites brand sandwiches described below because these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following Oickles Tasty Bites sandwiches are affected by this alert.

These products have been sold at Oickles Auto Service at 5354 Hwy 10, New Germany, Nova Scotia and Getson Convenience at 3916 Hwy 325, Newcombville, Nova Scotia.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

The manufacturer, Oickles Tasty Bites, New Germany, NS, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

These sandwiches were made with roast beef manufactured at Les Salaisons Desco Inc. (EST 501). This roast beef had been tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Listeria monocytogenes, visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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