Don't eat that wiener!

NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN FOOD INSEPCTION AGENCY

************************* Health hazard alert - certain Maple Leaf, Shopsy's and Hygrade brand weiners may contain Listeria monocytogenes

OTTAWA - (August 4) – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume certain wieners described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Maple Leaf Foods, the manufacturer, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace.

The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall, and the investigation is continuing.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor for cases of listeriosis, but to date, there have been no increases in cases of the illness, nor detected any cases linked to this investigation.

The products listed below are affected by this alert.

These products are manufactured at the Federally Registered Establishment 611, a Maple Leaf Foods plant.

They can be identified by the markings L1 and EST 611 in the inkjet marking on the edge of the package.

These products have been distributed nationally.

Consumers are advised to check their fridges and freezers and dispose of any affected products. Hygrade Wieners 450 g 58640 00001 09 SEP16

Shopsy’s Deli-Fresh All Beef Frankfurters (value pack) 3 x 675 g 63100 14461 09 SEP17 Shopsy’s Deli-Fresh All Beef Frankfurters 450 g 64875 20730 09 SEP08 and 09 SEP17

Shopsy’s Deli-Fresh Regular Frankfurters 450 g 64875 20745 09 SEP08

Maple Leaf Hot Dogs Wieners Original 450 g 63100 22356 09 SEP08 and 09 SEP17

Maple Leaf Top Dogs All Beef Wieners 450 g 63100 22395 09 SEP08 and 09 SEP15

Maple Leaf Top Dogs Original Wieners 450 g 63100 22410 09 SEP09, 09 SEP10 and 09 SEP15

Maple Leaf Top Dogs Original Wieners BBQ Size 450 g 63100 22412 09 SEP09 Maple Leaf Top Dogs Wieners 33 % Less Fat 450 g 63100 82334 09 SEP08 and 09 SEP15

Government and industry were able to pinpoint this potential problem as a result of the new mandatory testing and reporting requirements placed on industry in February 2009.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled.

Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness.

Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.

For most people, the risk posed by Listeria is low, however pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

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