Listeriosis Investigation - Siena Foods Ltd.

As part of its commitment to the continual improvement of Canada's food safety system and in response to one of the recommendations of the Report of the Independent Investigator into the 2008 Listeriosis Outbreak (known as the Weatherill Report), the CFIA will disclose the results of its investigation of the implicated food processing plants and the corrective actions taken, where serious illness or human deaths have occurred due to foodborne causes.

In March 2010 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Siena Foods Ltd. warned the public not to consume certain Siena Foods meat products which might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

These recalls were based on positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes in product samples and the CFIA's investigation of these findings.

Also in March, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care informed the CFIA and other federal and provincial partners of its investigation of two positively identified human cases of listeriosis.

Upon being informed by the ministry that there was a possible link to the consumption of food products, the CFIA immediately initiated a food safety investigation. At the same time, the CFIA collaborated with federal and Ontario health authorities in the illness investigation. The Public Health Agency of Canada advised that, although the number of cases in Ontario was higher than normal, the number across Canada remained in the normal range.

A separate December 2009 recall of salami produced at the same establishment, Siena Foods, had resulted in certain products being held, tested and released only if they were free from Listeria monocytogenes.

CFIA Review of the Siena Foods Plant

Action

Following the completion of health risk assessments by Health Canada, the CFIA and Siena Foods immediately issued a food recall and public advisory for certain Siena brand Prosciutto Cotto Cooked Ham products on March 11. On the advice of the CFIA, Siena Foods immediately stopped production on March 12. Also on March 12 a further food recall and consumer advisory was issued for Siena brand Coppa and Siena brand Prosciuttini or Prosciuttini Hot.

As is the usual practice of the CFIA, information regarding the recall was posted on the CFIA website. This included specific advice to those members of the public who are at greater risk of listeriosis. In addition, acting on the recommendation of the Weatherill Report to enhance communications to the public, the recall was highlighted on the Government of Canada food safety web portal www.foodsafety.gc.ca and on www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.

The CFIA, in cooperation with Toronto Public Health, did an extensive review of the Siena Foods plant to identify any potential causes of the contamination. This review involved two comprehensive assessments:

  • the collection of product and environmental samples for testing by food specialists and meat processing inspection staff, and a review of records and operating procedures; and
  • a Listeria In-Depth Review conducted by a team of program specialists, food safety experts, inspection staff, and public health experts.

The Listeria In-Depth Review team looked at the following:

  • operating protocols,
  • processing and packaging of products, and
  • cleaning and sanitation throughout the facility before, during and after production.

Of particular note in the review process was the CFIA's ability to gather records of environmental sampling that had been taken at the plant. The new requirement for environmental sampling was one of the steps the CFIA took following the 2008 listeriosis outbreak to reduce the risk of future foodborne illness outbreaks occurring.

Throughout the illness and food safety investigations, the network of federal, provincial and municipal departments and agencies that work to minimize the risk of foodborne illness acted rapidly and thoroughly to reduce harm to the public. Based on recommendations from the Weatherill Report, communications among government partners was enhanced.

Findings

The results of the CFIA's review confirmed the company's investigation findings that several factors contributed to the contamination of the recalled products by Listeria. These factors include

  • building construction and maintenance,
  • the condition of certain food processing equipment,
  • sanitation,
  • circulation patterns of personnel, and
  • record-keeping.

Significant among these findings was that moisture originating from a damaged ceiling in a processing room, and employee handling of product prior to packaging, were the most likely causes of product contamination. Siena Foods has taken action to correct these points, and the CFIA continues to work with the company to ensure that the corrective actions are effectively implemented.

Outcome

As a result of an extensive review of the plant and its operations by the CFIA, Siena Foods has made changes to the plant's sanitation program, operating procedures, and processing room construction. All changes are directed at enhancing the company's Listeria control program.

On April 8, 2010, the CFIA approved the restart of production at Siena Foods. The conditions of the restart include extensive environmental and end product testing by the company and the CFIA. No products will be permitted to leave the plant unless they have met these conditions. The CFIA will continue to closely monitor the operations of the plant.

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