Hams and other meat products that were subject to a recall in Canada originally were thought to have been distributed only in Ontario and Quebec.
Now, however, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the Olymel brand products included in the recall also may have been distributed in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Since Dec. 22nd, CFIA and Montreal-based Olymel S.E.C. have been warning the public not to consume certain processed ham and other meat products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Olymel has recalled the suspect meat.
Products involved were packaged under the Olymel, Royal, Lafleur, and Roma brands. The lot number for all the recalled products is 9329 and Best Before dates run from Jan. 6 to 17, 2010.
At risk are cooked hams, mock-chicken meat loaf, bologna and mock chicken meat loaf, chopped cooked ham and mock chicken meat loaf, and pepperoni family pack.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.
CFIA warns that food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled.
Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness.
Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
Olymel, the manufacturer for all the brands, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers: Olymel S.E.C. at 514-858-9000; CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).