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Canada Listeriosis Death Toll Climbs to 20
by Terri Potratz | October 2, 2008 at 01:47 pm | 161 views | 1 comment | 2 recommendations
The Maple Leaf Foods listeria outbreak, in which the bacteria was spread through meat slicing machines and distributed in deli meats all across Canada, has claimed another life in Ontario, bringing the current death toll to 20.
The latest death occurred in Ontario, where 15 of the deaths have been reported, the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a news release.
Two deaths occurred in the western province of British Columbia with one each in Alberta, Quebec and New Brunswick.
The health agency said six other deaths under investigation may also result from the outbreak.
Listeria monocytogenes can be found in unpasteurized dairy products, raw vegetables and meats, and processed foods, including deli meats and hot dogs. Ingesting the bacteria can cause serious illness, including brain and blood infections that can lead to death. The elderly, infants and people with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable.
220 food products were recalled as a result of this outbreak, shutting down the Maple Leaf Plant for about a month. It has since reopened, and the company now faces multiple lawsuits from victims and their families.
Related NowPublic.com News:
Dunn's Smoked Meat: Possible Listeria Contamination
Unsafe at Any Feed: Listeria May be an Indicator
Listeria Cause & Effect 'Highly Likely' Bacteria in Slicers to Blame
October 2, 2008 at 01:47 pm by Terri Potratz, 161 views, 1 comment
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (1)
at 15:07 on October 2nd, 2008
Terri Potratz, I like this story. It's good stuff.
This has certainly made consumers more cautious of what they eat.