U.S. Blocks Exports From Canadian Deli Meat Plant Over Listeria Fears
Deli meat Listeria fears have prompted the USDA to delist Canada's Siena Foods Ltd. Toronto facility as an eligible exporter of meat to the United States.
The move, confirmed in a story by the Montreal Gazette, is in response to recalls in Canada last week of four different deli meats for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The recalled Siena products were distributed to primary suppliers in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta and may have been made available to consumers across the country through secondary distributors.
A USDA spokesman told the Gazette that Canada's meat inspection authority requested that USDA delist the plant while an investigation continues into an outbreak of Listeria in Canada that may be related to Siena deli meats.
In conjunction with the delisting, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert regarding recalled Siena deli meats that may already have crossed the border. FSIS said it may proceed with a recall as more information becomes available."This public health alert was initiated after positive test results and an investigation by (Canada) in response to a listeriosis illness outbreak. At this time, no confirmed linkage has been made between the products subject to recall and the reported illnesses.''
Here's the list of Siena meats presently under recall:
- Cacciatore Salami, Mild,
- Coppa
- Prosciuttini
- Prosciuttini Hot
- Prosciutto Cotto
The individually wrapped products have variable weights and a "Best Before" date through June 22, 2010, as well as the establishment number "Est. 212" inside the CFIA mark of inspection. (The original brand and/or best before dates may not have been transferred at the deli counters to consumer packages.)
