Backfat recalled in Canada after testing found Listeria

Pavao Meats & Deli Ltd. recalls European Butcher brand bacon from the market due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell putrid, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten a recalled product and developed symptoms of a Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell his or her doctor about the possible exposure to Listeria.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of a Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other diseases.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to preterm labor, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

Recalled product:

European Butcher – Canadian bacon half

• Size – Variable
• UPC – Starting with 0 215096
• Codes – Batch #177

European Butcher – Canadian bacon bits

• Size – Variable
• UPC – Starting with 0 200386
• Codes – Batch #177

European Butcher – Canadian bacon cut into slices

• Size – Variable
• UPC – Starting with 0 200029
• Codes – Batch #177

At the time this recall was issued, no illnesses associated with the consumption of these products have been reported. The CFIA verifies that the industry is removing recalled products from the market.

Consumers should not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products. Recalled products should be thrown away or returned to the location where they were purchased.

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