September 9, 2008

Two slicing machines were thought to be responsible for the presence of listeria bacteria in Maple Leaf's meat products which killed one person and sickened hundreds in Canada recently.

Products from Maple Leaf Foods were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes at its plant in Toronto, Ontario.

An investigation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), internal and external experts concluded that the most likely source was a possible collection point for bacteria located deep inside the mechanical operations of two slicing machines.

Rigorous sanitisation of this equipment was completed on a daily basis in accordance with or exceeding the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.

However, upon full disassembly, areas were found where bacteria may accumulate deep inside the slicing machines and avoid the sanitisation process. There were also other environmental factors that may have contributed to the contamination.

"We deeply regret this incident and the impact it has had on people's lives," said Michael McCain, President and CEO.

McCain said the plant will not re-open and no products will be released until the CFIA and Maple Leaf are confident in the effectiveness of the enhanced food safety protocols in place.