Don't eat the pastrami

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
News Release

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OTTAWA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume Old Style brand Pastrami because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Old Style brand Pastrami is sold in 450 g packages bearing a Best Before date of 09JA15 (January 15, 2009).

This product has been distributed in Ontario.

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 may 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.

CFIA is working with the manufacturer, Mariposa Meats, Mississauga, ON, to have the affected product removed from the marketplace. The CFIA will monitor 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).

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

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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