Update for European Butcher brand bacon ‘chuncks’ and smoked side bacon slices

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Sept. 6 recall of European Butcher brand bacon “chuncks” and smoked side bacon slices distributed in Ontario for fear of Listeria contamination.

CFIA said its food recall warning issued on Sept. 6 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the CFIA food safety investigation. European Butcher is recalling European Butcher brand bacon “chunks” and smoked side bacon slices from the marketplace because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

This recall was triggered by the CFIA’s inspection activities. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings. The CFIA is verifying that the industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

About Listeria infections
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these recalled products.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

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

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)