The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) warned consumers Friday not to consume Gills Onions brand Fresh Diced Red Onions because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. 

No reported cases of Listeria have been reported in connection with the consumption of the diced onions, which were distributed in Ontario and may have also been distributed throughout Canada.

Gills-Red-Onions.jpgThe products being recalled include 198 g packages of Gills Onions brand Fresh Diced Red Onions, Product of U.S.A., bearing UPC 6 43550 00045 0, Best Before date 05/17/12, and lot code 51RDA1A2119.  CFIA is working with Canadian importers, distributors, retailers and Gills Onions to withdraw the product from points of purchase.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this 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.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).