The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume Freybe brand headcheese or Fresh Express brand romaine-based salads.
The recalls came Wednesday in separate press releases.
The headcheese may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria and was distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northwest Ontario, Yukon and may have been distributed nationally. All products sold up to and including July 14, 2010 are affected by this recall, the CFIA says.
The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control has confirmed 10 reported cases of salmonella in British Columbia, the majority of which involved elderly individuals who fell ill after consuming Freybe headcheese. Freybe has issued a recall while conducting further testing to determine the source and nature of the salmonella contamination.
The affected product would have been purchased in mid- to late-June from over-the-counter delis. The product is manufactured for Freybe by Brandt Meat Packers in Mississauga, Ont. No other products manufactured at Brandt Meat or at Freybe's Langley, B.C. facility have been affected by this recall, the company says.
The affected product has been distributed to the Overwaitea Food Group, which includes Save-on Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Urban Fare and Cooper's Foods, and Thrifty Foods stores, as well as other smaller delis in Western Canada and the Yukon.
Updates on illnesses are being posted on the website of the B.C. Centre for Disease Control at: http://www.bccdc.ca/.
Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but consumption may cause a food borne illness that can cause serious and sometimes deadly infections.
California salads widely distributed
The Fresh Express brand romaine-based salads may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
The products have been distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec and may have been distributed nationally, says a CFIA release.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.
Food contaminated with E. coli bacteria may not look or smell spoiled but consumption can cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Fresh Express Incorporated is based in Salinas, Calif.
Specific products and best before dates are listed at www.inspection.gc.ca.
