BC DPIC News

Final Update on Listeria Outbreak

2008-12-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Public Health Agency of Canada has released their final update on the listeriosis outbreak linked to Maple Leaf meat products that occurred in August 2008. There were 5 confirmed cases and 2 deaths in BC that were caused by the outbreak strain.

The full posting as well as additional information on the outbreak can be found here:
Final Update - Listeria outbreak

Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Maple Leaf Foods Packaged Meat Products

2008-08-25T02:19:00.000-07:00

The Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and local health authorities, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada are continuing their investigation surrounding the outbreak of Listeriosis cases. Initial laboratory results from Health Canada have confirmed a link between meat products from a processing plant in Toronto and the strain of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria responsible for the outbreak. As a precaution, Maple Leaf Foods has extended its product recall to include all meat produced at that facility.

Some Ayurvedic Products May Contain High Content of Heavy Metals

2008-03-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

Certain Ayurvedic products manufactured in India may have high heavy metal content. The most commonly found heavy metal is lead. Signs of lead intoxication include abdominal cramping, constipation, headaches, irritability, and anemia. Consumers who have been taking these products and who are concerned should contact their doctor. Products suspected of containing heavy metals can be tested by private laboratory services such as Cantest (www.cantest.com) for a fee. Suspected products purchased in Canada should be reported to Health Canada.
Media links

Pear Juice Recall

2008-03-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Health Canada and CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) routinely monitor products in the marketplace for compliance with safety standards. The pear juice products identified in the recent product recall have levels of arsenic only slightly above that of Canadian standards. The product withdrawal from the marketplace was to prevent long term (chronic) exposure to arsenic. No health consequences are expected from short term or one time use of these juices. See the CFIA website for more information on the pear juice recall:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2008/20080311e.shtml