(202) 720-9113
Adrian Gianforti
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2010 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to illnesses possibly associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) deli meat products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
FSIS was informed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that products subject to recall in Canada may have been exported to the United States. This public health alert was initiated after positive test results and an investigation by CFIA in response to a listeriosis illness outbreak. At this time, no confirmed linkage has been made between the products subject to recall and the reported illnesses. This is an ongoing investigation and as more information becomes available, FSIS may proceed with a recall action.
Implicated products produced by Siena Foods LTD, a Toronto, Ontario, establishment, include, but are not limited to, "Cacciatore Salami, Mild," "Coppa," "Prosciuttini," "Prosciuttini Hot," and "Prosciutto Cotto." The individually wrapped products have variable weights and a "Best Before" date through June 22, 2010, as well as the establishment number "Est. 212" inside the CFIA mark of inspection. However, the original brand and/or best before dates may not have been transferred at the deli counters to consumer packages. Persons who may have purchased any of these products and do not know original brand and code are advised to check with their retailer or supplier to determine if they have the affected product.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.
Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the CFIA at (800) 442-2342 / TTY (800) 465-7735. Media with questions about recall should contact CFIA Media Relations, at (613) 773-6600.
Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
