EXPANDED - HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

CERTAIN HYGAARD BRAND SANDWICH PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Related Alerts: 2009-01-27 | 2009-01-27 | 2009-01-19 | 2009-01-16

OTTAWA, January 27, 2009 – The public warning issued on January 19, 2009 has been expanded to include additional products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Hygaard Fine Foods EST 318 are warning the public not to consume certain Hygaard brand sandwich products described below because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The sandwich products described below are affected by this expanded alert.

The affected best before date is January 30, 2009. The Best Before date may appear as – JAN 30 or JA 30 or as 30 01 09 (day month year), on the labels.

These products have been distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories.

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 this bacteria my 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, Hygaard Fine Foods EST 318, Sherwood Park, Alberta is voluntarily removing these products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

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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Media Inquiries:

HQ Fine Foods
John Beliveau
780-467-4050