TORONTO – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers of a recall of fresh apples that were distributed in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador because of Listeria contamination concerns.
The apples involved in the recall – both Granny Smith and Gala – were exported out of the U.S., where a Listeria outbreak from caramel apples was tied to five deaths and 29 illnesses. The CFIA says the January warning is linked to this outbreak.
Last month, the Public Health Agency of Canada said that there were at least two cases of Listeriosis in Canada – one in Ontario and another in Manitoba. They shared the same genetic fingerprints seen in the U.S. investigation. At that time, PHAC officials were trying to determine if the two Canadian victims ate prepackaged caramel apples.
READ MORE: Caramel apples linked to Listeria outbreak in U.S. may have reached Canada
In the Jan. 8 notice, the CFIA said apples exported by Bidart Bros. in the U.S. were being recalled. They were imported by a Montreal company, Coosemans Montreal Inc. Canadian importers also include Beauvais Ltee. and Courchesne Larose.
“Recalled products may have been sold under other brand names besides the one identified or without a brand name at all, such as in bulk. If you are unsure as to whether products are included in this recall, contact the location where they were purchased,” the recall notice says.
The CFIA says that importers and shops are working to remove the recalled product from the marketplace.
If you come across a recalled product, it should be thrown out or returned to the location where it was purchased.
The agency warned that Listeria may not look or smell spoiled but it can make you sick. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches and headaches.
This story has been updated with new recall information.
carmen.chai@globalnews.ca
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