HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

CERTAIN CHICKEN SALAD, CHUNKY HAM SALAD AND THEIR PRODUCTS SOLD AT VARIOUS RETAIL OUTLETS MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

OTTAWA, February 24, 2009 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume certain products containing chicken or chunky ham salad manufactured by Plaisirs Gastronomiques Inc. because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Affected by this alert is St-Hubert Chicken Salad Spread, sold in 375 g containers bearing UPC 6 23798 08100 8 and lot code 047091 (Best Before February 27th) or 048091 (Best Before February 28th). This product has been distributed to major grocery retailers in Quebec.

Also affected by this alert are certain chicken salad, chunky ham salad and their products prepared and/or packaged at some of the following chain stores, as well as at other independent retailers and delicatessens in Quebec:

In Quebec
AXEP, Au pain doré, Bonichoix, Boni-soir, IGA/IGA Extra, L’intermarché, Le dépanneur, Loblaws, Marché Richelieu, Metro, Omni, Provigo, Supermarché GP, Tradition, and Voisin.

In Ontario
Loeb, Your Independent Grocer.

Consumers who have purchased chicken salad, chunky ham salad and their products from these chain stores or other independent retailers and delicatessens in Quebec between February 2 and February 24 inclusive are advised to check at the place of purchase to determine if they have the recalled products. Consumer who would still have these products in their refrigerators are advised not to consume them.

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 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, Plaisirs Gastronomiques Inc, Boisbriand, Quebec, is voluntarily recalling the affected products, and has instructed all retailers who have used the affected chicken salad to make sandwiches and other products to voluntarily remove them 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.

-30-

Media Inquiries: