Q: How can I tell which meats are affected by the Maple Leaf Foods recall?
The company has recalled more than 240 products made at the plant. Products with the establishment code of "97 B" printed on the label are the meats affected by the recall. Consumers who have purchased such products can obtain a refund by returning the items to the retailer.
Q: How would I feel if I had listeriosis?
A: Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. You may begin feeling symptoms from one to 90 days after eating food contaminated with listeria.
Some people may not feel anything. People can carry listeria without actually developing listeriosis as an illness.
Q: I think I ate potentially tainted food, what should I do?
A: If you do not have any symptoms, do nothing. No test is required. There is no vaccine.
Q: I'm feeling ill after eating potentially tainted meat. What should I do?
A: Contact your doctor and mention your exposure to the meat. They will follow up with appropriate treatment.
You will need to be tested to confirm listeriosis infection. A blood or spinal fluid test will determine if you have the disease.
If you do in fact have listeriosis you must report it to Toronto Public Health at 416-392-7411 or 416-690-2142 after hours.
Q: What sort of treatment would I receive?
A; Antibiotics will be prescribed and treatment may take up to six weeks or more.
Q: I think an establishment is still selling recalled meat. What should I do?
A: Call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 1-800-442-2342 or Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 and ask to speak with someone in Food Safety.
