November 17, 2011

Western Canada's ginger beef product may contain listeria bacteria

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Wednesday (Nov 16) that Western Canadian consumers of pre-prepared ginger beef entree product are being warned not to consume it over fears it may contain listeria bacteria.

Ginger Beef Choice brand Special Combo was distributed to Costco stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the agency said in a release.

The manufacturer, Calgary-based Ginger Beef Choice Ltd., is voluntarily recalling the product from store shelves over concerns it may contain listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can lead to listeriosis, a food-borne illness that can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea, the release says. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

While pregnant women infected with the bacteria may only experience mild flu-like symptoms, the infection can cause premature delivery, an infection in the newborn or even stillbirth.

Food contaminated with the bacteria may not look or smell spoiled, the release cautions.

No illnesses associated with the consumption of the meal have been reported.

The affected product is sold in a one-kilogramme package carrying the UPC 6 65075 22980 2 and the best before date of November 8, 2011.