Maple Leaf recalls chicken breast strips after reports of illnesses

Maple Leaf Foods is recalling its frozen chicken breast strips as they may contain a toxin produced by Staphylococcus bacteria, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The possibly contaminated chicken is sold in an 840-gram box with a best before date of Sept. 29, 2018 and has the UPC 0 63100 03089 6.

The CFIA warned food contaminated with Staphylococcus toxin may not appear to be or smell spoiled and the toxin is not easily killed at normal cooking temperatures.

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The agency noted the recall was triggered by a consumer complaint and some illnesses have been linked to the consumption of the chicken.

Some of the symptoms associated with Staphylococcus poisoning are: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and fever. Severe symptoms may include headache, muscle cramping and changes in blood pressure and pulse rate, the CFIA warned.

The CFIA said the product should be tossed out or returned to the place of purchase.

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The agency said it’s conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to further recalls.