Listeria Special Notice to Editors

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Issue:

The Public Health Agency of Canada is asking media outlets for their assistance to reach persons at high risk for listeriosis, such as the elderly, pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems.

On-Air Script:

"The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising Canadians who are at high risk for listeriosis, such as the elderly, pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems to take all necessary precautions to ensure that they avoid the recalled food products that may contain listeria. Those at high risk should also make sure that they:

• Cook leftover foods or ready to eat food until steaming hot before eating.
• Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk
• Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating
• Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods.
• Consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible

Listeria causes fever, headaches, muscle aches and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. The bacterial infection, listeriosis, can be caused by eating contaminated food.

Symptoms usually appear within three to 21 days and up to 70 days after consuming contaminated food. People who believe they have experienced symptoms of illness are urged to contact their health care provider immediately.

For all consumers, if for any reason you do not know where your ready to eat meats came from – you are advised to throw it out.

For more information Call 1-800 O Canada or visit www.publichealth.gc.ca"