Health Hazard Alert/CFIA: Merit Selection Delicatessen Cooked Extra Lean Ham May Contain Listeria Monocytogenes

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Metro-Richelieu are warning the public not to consume the Merit Selection Delicatessen Cooked Extra Lean Ham described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Merit Selection Delicatessen Cooked Extra Lean Ham, was distributed to stores in 4.5 kg logs bearing a Best Before Date of OC 12 (October 12, 2008). It was sold to consumers from the deli counters at Metro, Richelieu, Ami and Extra stores in Quebec between August 13th and September 10th, 2008.

If the original product identity and Best Before code is not evident, consumers are advised to check with their retailer to determine if they have the affected product.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

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, Metro-Richelieu, Montreal, QC, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

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); or

Metro-Richelieu Customer Service at 1-800-561-8429.

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

613-760-4112