Listeria Tainted Canadian Bacon Recalled By US Department Of Agriculture

Approximately 380,000 pounds of Canadian bacon has been recalled by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) because it could be contaminated with listeria, a group of bacteria capable of causing illness, including potentially life-threatening infections in individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant mothers, newborns and elderly people.

The recalled diced bacon comes from Aliments Prince, SEC, Ontario Canada. The USDA says the recall only refers to bacon from that company dated before August 10th.

The recall involves the following products:

• 10-lb. transport container with two 5-lb. packages of "Napoli Cooked Bacon Topping".
  Case code 83600
• 10-lb. transport container with two 5-lb. packages of "Stefano Brand Cooked Diced Bacon".
  Case code 83601
• 10-lb. transport container with two 5-lb. packages of "Bellissimo Cooked Diced Bacon".
  Case code code 83602
• 10-lb. transport container with two 5-lb. packages of "Olymel Cooked Diced Bacon".
  Case code 83603
• 10-lb. transport container with two 5-lb. packages of "Assoluti Cooked Diced Bacon".
  Case code 83608

On its website, FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service), part of the USDA wrote:

"All production dates prior to August 10, 2011, are subject to recall. The labels on the shipping containers have "EST No. 169A" and "Product of Canada." The products were shipped to distribution centers in the U.S. for further distribution to food service institutions."

If you are a consumer and have questions regarding this recall, telephone Aliments Prince at 1-800-361-5800.

Listeria and listeriosis

Listeriosis is an infection, an illness caused by eating foods tainted with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium. Healthy individuals do not usually become ill if infected. However, pregnant women, newborns, very elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are vulnerable to illness and complications. A pregnant woman who is infected has a higher risk of early delivery, infection of her newborn, and the baby's subsequent death.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA) says that listeriosis is a major public health problem in America.

The majority of listeriosis cases are non-invasive. Non-invasive listeriosis may result in mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea.

Vulnerable individuals have a higher risk of developing invasive listeriosis - a serious medical condition that requires immediate hospitalization. The patient has to be treated aggressively with antibiotics. Approximately 35% of patients with invasive listeriosis die due to complications.

Listeria was discovered by Joseph Lister (1827-1912), an English surgeon and advocate of antisepsis - hence the name.