Has Maple Leaf Foods Done All It Can To Protect Consumers?

August 12, 2009

Last week, Maple Leaf Foods announced yet another recall of products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

In responding to comments on its recall of nine different varieties of Maple Leaf, Shopsy's and Hygrade brand wieners and hot dogs, the Company said:

"In Canada today, it takes on average about a week to get the results of a Listeria test. So if a test in a ready-to-eat food shows a potential food safety problem, the only way to address the problem is to recall the food … as much of it as hasn’t been eaten yet. Rapid testing done by labs in each plant cuts the time from a about one week to a day or two, providing us with information that allows us to act sooner at the plant. Maple Leaf will act immediately to implement rapid testing at our prepared meat plants when approved – and is pushing for government approval of these more rapid testing methods."

The above statement implies that the only method for detecting Listeria monocytogenes that has been approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ("CFIA") is the old, slow, horse-and-buggy era "conventional" method. This is not so. In addition to the "conventional" method, which takes about a week to produce a result, CFIA also accepts the use of a 2-day rapid method – the Qualicon Bax® System produced by Dupont – to test both environmental and finished product samples for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

With the government-sanctioned lab technologies available today, there is no excuse for a food processor to release products into the retail market before lab test results are available. The recalled wieners had a residual shelf life of more than one month from the August 3rd recall date. A 2-3 day product hold, while an inconvenience to the Company, would not have been unreasonable.

Maple Leaf Foods owes the Canadian consumer a true "test-and-hold" food safety program.

Latest Maple Leaf Recall Nearly Complete

February 25, 2009

Yesterday's recall of Maple Leaf and Shopsy's weiners is nearly complete, according to an update released late yesterday by the company.

Maple Leaf had initiated a recall of approximately 1,100 cases of weiners processed in its Hamilton, Ontario facility after the quarantined product was shipped "by human error". 

Following last year's lethal outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes illnesses across Canada, Maple Leaf instituted a more stringent environmental testing program based on responding to a finding of any Listeria species, not just Listeria monocytogenes. This is a conservative approach that provides an additional safety cushion, since most other species of Listeria do not cause human illness.

As of last night, Maple Leaf had regained control over more than 75% of the mistakenly shipped weiners, including the 60% of weiners that were still in the company's own distribution centers, and another 13% that were in the hands of retailers. Maple Leaf management expects to complete the recall by noon today.

While no one likes to hear about another food recall, this hiccough in Maple Leaf's safety program is actually encouraging news. 

• The company has taken a conservative approach in its choice of Listeria environmental tests;
  
• The company reacted promptly, properly, and publicly to an erroneous product release; and
  
• The company's recall procedure functioned effectively.
  

Breaking News: Maple Leaf & Shopsy's Weiners Recalled

February 24, 2009

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has warned consumers that the following Maple Leaf and Shopsy's brand weiners may be contaminated with Listeria bacteria and have been recalled by the manufacturer.

• Maple Leaf Hot Dogs Original (450g): UPC #0 63100 22356 4; Lot code 09 AL 23 
  
• Shopsy’s Deli- Fresh All Beef Frankfurters (450g): UPC #0 64875 20730 8; Lot codes 09 AL 22 and 09 AL 23 
  

The affected products have been distributed in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador.

The recall was initiated after Listeria was detected in environmental samples in Maple Leaf's Hamilton, Ontario facility (establishment #611). CFIA has not yet determined whether the microbes are Listeria monocytogenes or some other species of Listeria.

Establishment #611 is a different Maple Leaf facility from the one that was the source of last year's lethal outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in Canada. There are no illnesses reported to be associated with today's recall.

Consumers who purchased the recalled weiners should return them to the retailer for a full refund.

Heightened Awareness Produces Another Canadian Meat Recall

In what appears to be a full court press against Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meats, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued another Health Hazard Alert this morning.

Mariposa Meats (Mississauga, ON) is recalling Old Style brand Thin Sliced Honey Ham, sold in 450 g packages bearing a Best Before date of 08NO17 (November 17, 2008) and UPC 6 28292 50001 7. The recalled meat was sold only in Price Chopper stores in Ontario.

Listeria monocytogenes has been a major focus of CFIA activity ever since the deadly Maple Leaf outbreak this summer. At last count (October 17th), ready-to-eat meats from Maple Leaf's Bartor Road production facility was responsible for 53 confirmed cases of listeriosis – 20 of them fatal.

Typically, an infection with Listeria monocytogenes produces no more than mild flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms. But, as Canadians found out this summer, the elderly, very young children, and immuno-compromised individuals may suffer severe – even fatal – symptoms as a result of an infection with this microbe. Pregnant women who become infected may pass the infection to the fetus in utero, resulting in premature birth, stillbirth or a seriously ill newborn.

Anyone who has eaten the recalled product and begins to experience any symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection, should contact his or her family doctor. Consumers who purchased the recalled meat should return it to the store for a refund. For more information about this recall, contact Mariposa Meats at 905-855-8111.

Maple Leaf, CFIA and Listeria monocytogenes

Fifty-three individuals in seven Canadian provinces were infected with Listeria monocytogenes as a result of consuming contaminated deli meat from Maple Leaf's Bartor Road production facility, according to yesterday evening's update from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Ten of those innocent victims died. An additional 10 suspect cases and 6 more deaths are still under investigation in what will likely turn out to be the worst food safety scandal in Canadian history. 

One month ago, in calling for a full, public Judicial Commission of Inquiry into this outbreak, I raised several questions that were begging for substantive answers. The news that has been filtering into media reports in the past few days reinforces, in my opinion, the need for an investigation conducted by an impartial Commission that is independent of any government department.

1. Toronto public health officials, as part of an investigation into the then-suspected outbreak of listeriosis, tested 26 samples of Maple Leaf meats obtained from local nursing homes, hospices and hospitals. Seventeen of those samples contained Listeria monocytogenes. Half of the samples collected from similar facilities elsewhere in the province also were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This is an extraordinarily high frequency of positive samples, which signals massive contamination at the factory during processing or packaging.
2. On August 14th, Toronto public health officials warned CFIA of the link between contaminated Maple Leaf deli meats and the listeriosis outbreak, and asked CFIA to issue a public advisory. CFIA demurred, stating that it needed to wait for more data before making a public announcement. The first – very limited – alert was issued three days later on August 17th. It took two more days before CFIA sounded a full alert and Maple Leaf recalled all outstanding production from the Bartor Road facility.
3. On April 1st, CFIA changed a long-standing policy with regard to Listeria monocytogenes notification by industry. Prior to April 1st, meat processors were required to notify CFIA immediately of any Listeria monocytogenes-positive test result, either in the production environment or in finished product. The CFIA inspector would become involved in the clean-up and would follow up to verify the effectiveness of clean-up procedures. Beginning April 1st, CFIA inspectors only check Listeria monocytogenes test records twice a month. They no longer have "hands-on" involvement in the testing or follow-up.
   

Maple Leaf re-started operations in the Bartor Road facility on September 17th, with close oversight from CFIA. The startup was subject to the following three conditions:

• The CFIA will allow limited trial runs for a three-day period where product will be held and tested each day based on a rigorous sampling plan. The effectiveness of inspection and processing controls will also be validated.
  
• Production will stop until test results come back. Only if test results are negative and operating procedures are determined to be in compliance will the company be able to begin broader production.
  
• For the following six weeks all product will be held and tested in lots and will only be released if negative test results are received.
  

It's very fortunate that these conditions were in place, because four new samples of finished product have tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Since the facility is operating on a "test and hold" basis, none of these products have been shipped. We don't yet know whether this is the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes, or a different strain that has found its way into the plant and into the products.

Maple Leaf's President, Michael McCain, has pointed out –  correctly – that Listeria monocytogenes is pervasive in the environment. An occasional positive is not unexpected. What's important is the action that a food processor takes to overcome the contamination. 

And what's equally important is the action that the government takes to ensure public health and safety.

Listeria in Canada: Touring the Provinces

The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed that – as of 4:00 pm today – 48 cases of listeriosis nation-wide are linked to contaminated meat from Maple Leaf's Bartor Road production facility. Another 10 cases are still under investigation. 

Eighteen deaths have been reported for which the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes was the underlying or contributing cause. Three other deaths have been reported in which the outbreak strain did not contribute to the death of the victims. An additional five deaths are still being investigated.

This Listeria monocytogenes outbreak is unprecedented in Canada both in the severity of the illnesses and the geographic distribution of the contaminated food. Here's a breakdown of the outbreak by province, traveling from east to west.

Newfoundland and Labrador

No confirmed or suspect cases of listeriosis.  Last week, Smith's Snacks announced a recall of 31  prepared, ready-to-eat sandwiches and deli meats after CFIA found Listeria monocytogenes for the third time. No illnesses were associated with the recall, and there was no indication that the strain of Listeria monocytogenes was the same as the Maple Leaf outbreak strain.

Nova Scotia

No confirmed or suspect cases of listeriosis associated with the outbreak.

Prince Edward Island

No confirmed or suspect cases of listeriosis associated with the outbreak.

New Brunswick

One fatal confirmed case has been linked to the outbreak. A second case of listeriosis has just been diagnosed. The elderly victim lives in a private residence and was hospitalized as a result of the illness. The strain of Listeria monocytogenes recovered from the patient has been submitted to PHAC's national laboratory for genetic fingerprinting.

Québec

This province had the dubious distinction of coping with a province wide outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes that was simultaneous with, but totally independent from, the national outbreak. Québec reported two confirmed cases associated with the national outbreak strain, including one fatality for which the Listeria monocytogenes infection was not the underlying cause of death. There is also one suspect case still under investigation.

Separately, Québec has reported 30 confirmed cases of listeriosis that have been linked to contaminated cheeses that were manufactured and sold in the province. One of the victims of that outbreak died, and one infant was stillborn. Four of the victims were newborns who were infected in their mothers' wombs, and survived.

Ontario

By far the hardest hit of the provinces, Ontario has experienced 36 confirmed cases, with 7 more cases still under investigation. There were twenty deaths among the confirmed cases; in 14 of them, listeriosis was an underlying or contributing cause of death. There were 6 deaths for which a specific cause was not determined.

Manitoba

This province has experienced five cases of listeriosis so far in 2008. Just one of those cases, reported in August, was caused by the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Earlier in September, an infant died from listeriosis. But this infection was caused by a different strain. A new case of listeriosis has just been reported in the Winnipeg area. Lab tests are in progress to determine whether the victim, a woman in her 50's with an underlying medical condition, has been infected by the Maple Leaf outbreak strain.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan reported one confirmed case and one death. The death was not directly attributed to the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.

Alberta

This province has experienced two confirmed cases and one death. The death was attributed to infection by the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.

British Columbia

This western-most province has reported five confirmed cases of listeriosis linked to the outbreak; a sixth case is under investigation. All five confirmed victims had already-existing medical conditions that might have contributed to their susceptibility to serious illness. The outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes was an underlying or contributing cause of two deaths.

Canada's Listeria Outbreaks: The Week In Review

Maple Leaf announced earlier this week that its Bartor Road production plant has been disassembled, was cleaned and sanitized multiple times, and has been tested repeatedly for Listeria monocytogenes. No trace of the pathogen remains, according to Michael McCain, the company's President and CEO.

The plant has been put back together – a feat that Humpty Dumpty never accomplished – and was scheduled to resume production on September 17th. The company is beginning with test runs under close scrutiny from CFIA. No products will be shipped until both the regulatory agency and Maple Leaf are satisfied that the company's enhanced food safety protocols are working as planned.

The plant's shutdown was prompted by a national outbreak of listeriosis traced to ready-to-eat deli products manufactured and packaged at Bartor Road. The outbreak – not yet officially over due to the long incubation period that Listeria monocytogenes is known for – has claimed at least 18 lives in six provinces (an additional 7 deaths are still under investigation). And it has sickened 48 or more people in seven provinces (9 more cases are suspected, but not yet confirmed). Many of the victims were elderly, living in an institution, or already in hospital when they developed their symptoms.

In the face of these statistics, it's easy to complain that CFIA and Maple Leaf are locking the barn door far too late. Had the company or federal inspectors been more rigorous in their surveillance, the outbreak might have been prevented. Had the Ontario Ministry of Health Laboratories been equipped to run genetic fingerprint analyses of Listeria monocytogenes cultures, the outbreak might have been detected much sooner. Instead, Ontario relied on the national lab, based in Winnipeg, MB for the genetic analysis.

Whatever Maple Leaf's past sins of omission and commission might be, the company is trying very hard to regain the confidence of Canadian consumers. Maple Leaf has posted pictures and descriptions of its clean-up operation on its web site. It also has emphasized to the public its commitment to food safety. Maple Leaf is talking a very good game. Whether the company maintains its follow-through will only be revealed over the next year or two.

Québec, too, is coming to the end of its own Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, traced to contaminated cheeses. Twenty-nine confirmed cases have been recorded so far, and one elderly victim died as a result of his/her infection. The contaminated cheeses were distributed through approximately 300 retail stores, where they were cut, packaged and sold. This distribution system resulted in the pathogen being transferred to other cheeses in the stores, greatly complicating both the epidemiological investigation and the recall process.

Not unexpectedly, the outbreaks have triggered political aftershocks. The opposition party in Québec has called for the province's Minister of Agriculture to initiate an internal inquiry into the conduct of his department. The federal opposition – and the families of some victims – have demanded the resignation of the Canadian Minister of Agriculture. 

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced an independent inquiry into the national outbreak. Whether or not this will happen – and what form the inquiry will take – will be determined by who wins Canada's federal election, scheduled for October 14th. 

Canada's Listeria Outbreaks Tapering Off

With no new recalls to report, and both the cheese and deli meat outbreaks winding down, it's time for a brief update on the case tallies for these Made-in-Canada Listeria monocytogenes outbreaks.

The Public Health Agency of Canada released its latest update of illnesses and deaths related to the consumption of Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated meat produced by Maple Leaf Consumer Foods. As of mid-afternoon today, the key statistics are as follows:

• Total confirmed cases: 47
  
• Total suspected cases: 9
  
• Deaths where listeriosis was contributing cause: 16
  
• Deaths under investigation: 8
  

Confirmed cases in this outbreak have been reported in seven provinces: Ontario (36 cases, 14 deaths), British Columbia (4 cases, 1 death), Alberta (2 cases, 1 death), Saskatchewan (1 case), Manitoba (1 case), Quebec (2 cases), and New Brunswick (1 case). 

New Brunswick's lone victim of the national outbreak was an elderly woman who lived in a nursing home, and who died recently in hospital. The province received confirmation earlier today that the woman had become infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. This death is still showing as a case under investigation in today's PHAC update.

Québec posted an update this morning on its cheese-linked Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. The province has confirmed 28 cases so far, including one death – an unidentified person  in his or her 70's. Twenty of the 28 victims were women – 9 of them pregnant. Four of the pregnant victims gave birth to infected babies. A fifth child, not included in the official totals, was still-born. All of the remaining victims were adults, aged 28 to 89 years.

The people most susceptible to serious illness as a result of Listeria monocytogenes infections are the elderly, the very young, people who are immune-deficient, and pregnant women. And these outbreaks were no exception. A disproportionate number of the reported victims were elderly, already in hospital, or were pregnant. 

These outbreaks are a sharp reminder that foods at elevated risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination – soft cheeses, raw milk, ready-to-eat deli meats, and smoked fish – should not be on the menus of nursing homes or hospitals. Nor should pregnant women consume these foods. 

The consequences of infection are too severe.

Maple Leaf Listeria: Aftermath Of An Outbreak

As this tragic outbreak drags on, updates posted by provincial health authorities sometimes overtake the timeliness of the federal data. Such is the case today.

We are still waiting ( at 7:00 pm) for the Public Health Agency of Canada's daily update on the illness and death totals in the Maple Leaf outbreak. As of 4 pm yesterday (Sept. 11th), PHAC posted the following totals:

• Confirmed cases: 43 (34 in Ontario)
  
• Suspect cases: 19 
  
• Confirmed deaths attributed to the outbreak: 16 (14 in Ontario)
  
• Deaths under investigation: 5 
  

These numbers already are out of date. Ontario reported today that one of its suspect cases had been confirmed as part of the outbreak, raising the province's total to 35 confirmed cases. And Manitoba also reported today that its sole suspect case of listeriosis had been linked definitively to the outbreak.

It's far too easy to get caught up in the statistics, though, and to ignore the other ramifications of this national outbreak.

Impact on the lives of victims and their families. 

At least 16 – perhaps as many as 21 – families are mourning the untimely loss of a family member who did nothing more nefarious than eat deli meat processed and packaged at Maple Leaf's Bartor Road plant. Dozens of additional families have had their lives disrupted due to the illnesses suffered by outbreak victims who recovered.

Impact on Maple Leaf employees and shareholders.

The recall, alone, has cost the company approximately CDN$20 million. To this must be added the cost of lost business, and job layoffs. Probably, the company also will find itself spending a significant amount of money – either voluntarily or as a result of court proceedings – to compensate victims and their families. Maple Leaf is fortunate that Canada provides universal health care. And it's anyone's guess when – even whether – the Bartor Road facility will reopen.

Impact on the Canadian taxpayer.

Because Canada provides universal health care to its citizens and legal residents, the bulk of the medical costs incurred by outbreak victims will be borne by Canadian taxpayers. In addition, CFIA, PHAC and provincial health departments have had to carry the cost of the outbreak investigation and recall oversight.

Impact on the reputation of Canada's food safety system.

It's difficult to understate the impact of this outbreak on Canada's international food safety reputation. Canada's reputation already had been damaged by the slow, steady drip of reported BSE ("mad cow") findings. Now the country's processed meats also will be viewed askance. Mexico and China both halted the importation of Maple Leaf sausage casings after the outbreak was announced, even though the casings were produced at a different location from the contaminated deli meats. 

Impact on the meat industry.

As we reported previously, CFIA has advised all Canadian meat processors to disassemble, clean and sanitize their slicing equipment – a costly interruption of their normal production and cleaning cycles. Formax, Inc. has initiated a review of its recommended sanitation and operating instructions for its model S-180 slicer – the equipment that had harbored Listeria monocytogenes in Maple Leaf's Bartor road facility.

Impact on the just-announced Canadian elections.

The blame game began almost as soon as the outbreak was announced. At the federal level, the Liberal opposition party cast aspersions on the actions of the ruling Conservative Party. In Ontario, the opposition parties blamed the Liberal Party Premier Dalton McGuinty. Dr. Donald Low, Medical Director of the Ontario Public Health Laboratories, blames the lack of genetic typing facilities in the provincial lab for delays in recognizing the outbreak. The need to send isolates of Listeria monocytogenes from suspect meat and from patients to the national reference center (located in Winnipeg) for genetic fingerprinting cost several days.

Impact on the confidence of Canadians in the safety of the country's food supply.

This confidence has been badly shaken – by the Canada-wide Maple Leaf outbreak, the Ontario-wide recall of Ivanhoe cheeses, and the outbreaks of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes associated with cheeses in Québec.

Anyone for an "old-fashioned" Montreal Smoked Meat on rye?

Maple Leaf Listeria Outbreak: Slicing and Dicing

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 10, 2008

The number of confirmed illnesses and deaths in Canada's Listeria monocytogenes outbreak continues to creep up, even though the worst of the outbreak is probably over.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reported the following tallies, as of mid-afternoon, September 9th:

• Confirmed illnesses linked to the outbreak: 38
  
• Suspected cases linked to the outbreak: 20
  
• Deaths where listeriosis was an underlying or contributing factor: 14
  
• Deaths under investigation: 5
  

Twenty-nine of the confirmed cases and 12 of the deaths due in whole or in part to the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes were reported by Ontario.

Not yet included in the federal totals are the newly reported deaths of a New Brunswick woman and a woman from British Columbia, both of whom were infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Lab tests are underway to determine whether these deaths are related to the Maple Leaf outbreak.

Maple Leaf announced last Friday that it had identified a probable source of the Listeria monocytogenes contamination in its meats. Intensive testing uncovered contamination inside the slicing machines on the #8 and #9 production lines. The same day, CFIA issued an advisory to all federally registered meat establishments, instructing operators to dismantle and check the interiors of their slicing equipment immediately,  "... and perform a systematic and thorough aggressive cleaning and sanitation procedure..."

Formax, Inc., the manufacturer of the slicing equipment, responded to the news by stating that nearly 300 units of this model (Formax S-180) are installed in processing plants around the world, and that this was the first occasion in 13 years that anyone had reported an incident. The S-180 appears to be an older model, and is no longer featured on the Formax web site. 

________________________

UPDATE: September 10th. Janie Gabbett of Meatingplace OnLine reported this morning that Formax has announced a review of its recommended sanitation protocols for the Model S-180 slicer. The Company's President and CEO, David Brown, told Meatingplace that both the equipment and the operating manuals are being reviewed. (Update ends)

________________________

Contamination deep within the slicing machine is consistent with a pattern of recurring contamination farther down the production/packaging line. If Maple Leaf was as assiduous as it claims to have been in its post-sanitation environmental swabbing program, the Company's quality assurance team should have noticed the disappearance and reappearance of Listeria monocytogenes on the line.

Testing cannot make a production line – or a product – microbiologically safe. All that testing can do is highlight potential problems and, if everything is working correctly, spur someone to ask the right questions.

Maple Leaf Outbreak: Some Unanswered Questions

Yesterday, I called for a Walkerton-style Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate fully – and publicly – all aspects of the Canada-wide Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has sickened at least 38 people and has killed 13 of them.

Yesterday, Doug Powell of Barfblog wrote: 

"Others are calling for a full-scale inquiry, like what happened after Walkerton and in Ontario after some dodgy meat slaughtering practices were uncovered (the Haines report). I participated in both inquiries. There is no need for another."

In the United States, each federal government department maintains an Office of Inspector General. The Inspector General has the power, on his or her own initiative, to audit any of the department's activities. The Inspector General's detailed audit reports are public information, often directly accessible over the Internet.

Canada is not this generous with its information. The independent investigation announced by Prime Minister Harper will not be a public inquiry, and there is no promise that the detailed report of this investigation will be made public. The investigator will report his or her findings to the Minister of Agriculture. Period.

In calling for a public inquiry, I am not suggesting that either Maple Leaf or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency set out deliberately to spread Listeria monocytogenes to hospitals, seniors' residences, nursing homes and other similar facilities across Canada. I am not proposing a witch hunt. But I think Canadians deserve some answers.

What do I think should be included in the scope of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry? Here are a few items:

• Why did Maple Leaf's food safety program not detect the contamination before the problem spiraled into an outbreak?
  
• Why did CFIA not respond to Maple Leaf's internal lab findings of Listeria monocytogenes in the Bartor Road facility environment, or was CFIA not privy to Maple Leaf's internal lab reports? 
  
• Why did the initial recall notice – dated August 17 and issued jointly by CFIA and Maple Leaf – say, disingenuously, that "[t]here have been no confirmed illnesses associated with the consumption of these products," when an outbreak investigation was already in progress and under investigation?
  
• Why are elderly and immune-compromised Canadians being fed high-risk prepared meats in the country's health care institutions?
  
• What can be done to prevent this from happening again?
  

This investigation must not only be carried out. It must be seen to be carried out, if Canadians are to regain – and retain – their confidence in the nation's food safety system.

Maple Leaf Listeria Outbreak: Harper Announces Investigation

As the Canada-wide Listeria monocytogenes outbreak winds down, politics are breaking out all over.

Prime Minister Harper promised Canadians an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the outbreak, and an investigation there will be. The Prime Minister's Office announced the terms of the Listeria investigation yesterday.

This investigation might well be independent, as Harper promised, but it will be far more limited in its scope and frame of reference than the thorough and public investigation that followed the Walkerton E. coli O157:H7 outbreak eight years ago. 

The independent investigator's mandate for this "broad, independent investigation" include:

• (i) examine the events, circumstances and factors that contributed to the listeriosis outbreak;
  
• (ii) review the efficiency and effectiveness of the response of the federal organizations, in conjunction with their food safety system partners, in terms of prevention, recall of contaminated products and collaboration and communication with its food safety system partners and consumers;
  
• (iii) make recommendations, based on lessons learned from this event and from other countries in terms of best practices, as to what could be done to enhance both prevention of a similar outbreak occurrence in the future, and removal of contaminated product from the food supply;
  
• (iv) perform his/her duties without expressing any conclusion or recommendation regarding the civil or criminal liability of any person or organization;
  
• (v) adopt procedures for the expedient and proper conduct of the investigation, including reviewing relevant records and documents and consulting as appropriate; and
  
• (vi) submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in both official languages, before 15 March 2009, a report on the matters listed in (i) to (iv) above.
  

Wow! All of this in 6 months? Not very likely. And not very public.

The terms of reference described above are fine, as far as they go. The investigation report should provide some direction to CFIA as it seeks to improve its food safety regulatory systems. But Harper has not gone far enough. 

Canadians deserve a full, independent, Judicial Commission of Inquiry into all circumstances leading up to and surrounding the Maple Leaf Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. The Commissioner must have broad powers to subpoena witnesses, to examine CFIA inspection reports, and to subpoena and examine Maple Leaf's internal quality assurance records. 

Victims and their families should be given the opportunity to testify before the Commission of Inquiry. Hearings should be public, and the final Commission report should be released to the public at the same time that it is submitted to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 

Nothing less will do.

Maple Leaf: Any Way You Slice It

The CEO of Maple Leaf announced this evening that poorly cleaned slicing machines might have been the source of Canada's lethal national outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, according to a CBC report.

Michael McCain apparently told reporters that bacteria trapped deep inside the slicing equipment escaped the company's "rigorous sanitation procedures."

Before Maple Leaf is permitted to restart operations, may we suggest that the company and CFIA conduct a thorough reappraisal of those sanitation procedures, as well as the intensity, scope and frequency of equipment swabbing tests used to verify the rigor and effectiveness of those procedures? 

Maple Leaf Listeria Outbreak: What About The Unconfirmed Cases?

The Public Health Agency of Canada released another update this afternoon on the Canada-wide outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes that has been linked to processed deli meats from Maple Leaf's Bartor Road plant.

According to the report, the number of confirmed cases of listeriosis – 38 – remains unchanged from two days ago. And the number of outbreak-related deaths also has remained stable, at 13. Eleven of the deaths were reported in Ontario, and one each in British Columbia and Alberta.

Twenty suspect cases remain under investigation, including 8 in Ontario and 9 in Quebec, and 6 deaths (4 of them in Ontario) have not yet been either eliminated from the outbreak tallies or confirmed as being outbreak-associated.

One more retail-level recall announcement was released this morning, and our consolidated list was updated accordingly. But, for all practical purposes, the worst is over – except for the politicians and Maple Leaf executives, all of whom must answer for their actions prior to and during this outbreak. And for the victims and their families.

One question, though, has remained unasked. What is the source of the Listeria monocytogenes that sickened all of the "suspect" cases unlinked to the Maple Leaf outbreak strain? Most of those listeriosis victims, as well as the illnesses and deaths still under investigation, are from Quebec and Ontario. Could any of these people have been infected by the several varieties of Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated cheeses that have been recalled in these two provinces during the last two weeks?

It's not unheard of for two different strains of the same pathogen to cause two unrelated outbreaks in the same country within a relatively narrow time window. We saw it happen this year in the United States, when E. coli O157:H7 was the cause of two separate multi-state outbreaks.

Don't be surprised if a second – even a third – Canadian outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes comes to light in the near future.

Maple Leaf Retail Recall List

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 5, 2008

One of the frustrations that consumers face when a food recall is announced is the lack of information about which retail stores received and were selling the recalled products. This information is especially important when the product recall is triggered by a deadly food poisoning outbreak.

Most of the meat recalled by Maple Leaf Consumer Foods was sold to food service operators, hospitals, nursing homes and some retail delis. 

The following retail items have been recalled so far. Click on the highlighted company names to navigate to the recall notices, which provide details on product descriptions and Best Before dates.

• Royal Touch Foods has recalled Shopsy's deli-fresh Classic Reuben, sold in a 180g package labeled with UPC 7 76393 17001 8 and Best Before dates of AU 22 and AU 24. The sandwiches were sold at the Bloor Superfresh Mart and several Shoppers Drug Mart locations.
  
• Lucerne Foods, a Calgary-based company, has recalled Safeway Gold Standard sandwiches labeled with Best Before dates up to and including AU 25, sold in Safeway stores in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and TakeAwayCafé sandwiches labeled with various Best Before dates up to and including 08 SE 10, sold in Mac's Convenience stores throughout Alberta.
• Metro Ontario, Inc. has recalled three varieties of Fresh 2 Go (F2GO) brand sandwiches with "PKGD on" dates up to and including 08 AU 24. The sandwiches are sold in Ontario through selected Dominion and A&P stores.
• Atlantic Prepared Foods Limited (Alberton, PEI) has recalled Irving, Sub Delicious, and Needs brands sandwiches with various Best Before dates up to and including 08 SE 3. The sandwiches were distributed at unspecified locations throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. (Ottawa, ON) has recalled two varieties of Kirkland Signature platters, with best before dates up to and including 08 AU 28 and 08 AU 29, respectively. The platters were sold through Costco Wholesale stores across Canada.
• Sobey's Inc. (Mississauga, ON) has recalled its Cooked Ham and Salami sandwiches and Deli Lunch Box Wraps. The sandwiches are sold in Sobeys, Foodland and IGA stores throughout Ontario. The recalled sandwiches and wraps are labeled with "Packed on" dates up to and including 2008 AU 24.
• White House Meats Inc. (Toronto, ON) has recalled "oven roasted turkey breast" sold at the deli counter from its Bloor Street and Bayview Avenue locations, as well as oven roasted turkey breast packaged in 200g vacuum packs that were sold at the Bayview location. All of the recalled products were last sold on August 24th.
• Delta Country Market (Delta, ON) has recalled three ready-to-eat deli meats that are included in the Maple Leaf meat recall.
• Glen Fine Foods (Cornwall, ON) has recalled its Big Glen Sandwich, sold in vending machines in eastern Ontario. The recalled sandwiches are labeled with Best Before dates up to and including Aug 30/08.
• Loblaws Companies Limited (Brampton, ON) has recalled several different ready-to-eat items that contain meat products recalled by Maple Leaf Consumer Foods. Some of the  recalled items were made and sold at Loblaws, Loblaw Superstore, and Real Canadian Superstore in Ontario and are labeled with Best Before dates up to and including August 25, 2008; some products were made and sold at Loblaws and Provigo in Quebec and are labeled with Best Before dates up to and including August 27, 2008.
• Sobey's Inc. (Stellarton, NS) has recalled a large number of ready-to-eat products, including hospitality trays. Some of the recalled products were sold at Sobeys and Foodland stores in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. A number of sandwiches, wraps and deli meats were sold at Sobeys and IGA stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Other recalled products were sold in IGA, Bonichoix, Tradition, and Omni stores in Quebec. Please navigate to the CFIA recall notice for details on the stores and locations involved.
• Metro-Richelieu, Inc. (Montreal, QC) has recalled three deli meat products bearing Best Before dates up to and including 05 SE 08. The vacuum-packed meats were sold in certain Metro, Richelieu, Ami and Gem stores in Quebec.
• Metro Ontario Inc. (Toronto, ON) has recalled Reduced Cold Cut Ends sold in some A&P, Dominion, Loeb and The Barn stores in Ontario. The packages bear Best Before dates up to and including August 27, 2008.
• Canada Safeway Limited (Calgary, AB) has recalled store-made sandwiches sold at Safeway stores in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. The sandwiches are labeled with Best Before dates up to and including 08 AU 26.
• Country Traditions Frozen Foods (Napanee, ON) has recalled kielbassa sausage cuts sold at Country Traditions, Taste of Country, and Country  Farm Supply stores in Ontario. The kielbassa carries Best Before dates up to and including Oct 22/08.
• Co-op Atlantic (Moncton, NB) has recalled several ready-to-eat deli meats, vacuum-packaged in-store, and sold at certain Co-op Atlantic stores in the Atlantic provinces and Quebec's Magdalen Islands. The deli meats bear Best Before dates up to and including 08/09/07 or 08/09/14.
• King Bean Wholesalers (Surrey, BC) has recalled certain of its sandwiches, which were sold in stores in New Westminster, Surrey, and Langley, BC. The sandwiches are labeled with Best Before dates up to and including 01-SEP-08.
• Canex Retail Supermarket (Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL) has recalled Canex Maple Leaf Bologna, vacuum-packaged in various weights. The recall includes all Best Before dates up to and including Oct 10, 08. NEW

Maple Leaf has now recalled all outstanding products that were processed in the Bartor Road facility. The list, which is nine pages long, is available on the Maple Leaf web site (click here). CFIA also has posted a recall list, which is available here. Both generic and brand name institutional and retail package sizes have been recalled, including: 

Artisan Collection, Best Value, Bittners, Bittners/Schneiders, Boston Pizza, Burns, Campfire, Compliments, Coorsh, Country Morning, Equality, Fleetwood, Food Service, Harmonie, Hickory Farms, Hygrade, Kirkland Signature, Main Street Deli, Maple Leaf, Tim Horton, Mayfair/Marque, McDonalds, Mitchell's, Mr. Sub, No Name, Northern Best Value, Olympic, Our Compliments, Overlander, Parma, Pizza Nova, Rouyn, Safeway, Schneiders, and  Shopsy's

We'll continue to update as additional retail-level recall information is released. If you hear of any retail level recalls that are not on this list, please post a comment, below.

Maple Leaf Listeria Outbreak Slows Down

The Public Health Agency of Canada released its latest tally of victims today, and things are starting to look up. While one more death has been confirmed in Ontario – bringing the national total to 13 – the number of confirmed cases nationally remains unchanged from yesterday, at 38. More importantly, the number of suspected cases still under investigation has decreased to 15 (from 21 yesterday).

Of course, there is still the political fallout to deal with. Canadian Prime Minister Harper, who is on the cusp of calling a national election, has promised an independent investigation into the outbreak. No doubt, food safety policy will play a role in the coming campaign.

Maple Leaf's Bartor Road facility remains closed, and there is no indication when it might reopen. According to the federal Minister of Agriculture, an investigation would not begin until after the plant resumes normal operations.

Until the outbreak is declared over and sufficient time has passed to ensure that none of the recalled products remain on the market, consumers should continue to take extra care when purchasing ready-to-eat deli meat, either in packages or sandwiches. 

Maple Leaf Listeria Outbreak: Post-Labour Day Update

Canadians may take a holiday the first weekend of September, but Listeria monocytogenes never rests. 

As of mid-afternoon September 1st, the Public Health Agency of Canada, in cooperation with provincial health authorities have confirmed 38 cases of Listeria monocytogenes in this national outbreak. Twenty-nine of the confirmed cases are from Ontario; the rest of the 9 victims are from British Columbia (4), Alberta (2), Saskatchewan (1) and Quebec (2). An additional 21 suspect cases are still under investigation, including one each in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island.

This outbreak has killed, or contributed to the death of, at least 12 people so far – 10 of them in Ontario, and one each in Alberta and British Columbia. An additional seven deaths are still being investigated.

Maple Leaf has closed its Bartor Road processing facility temporarily, and has initiated a precautionary recall of all food produced and shipped from that facility since January 2008. The company estimates that this recall will cost Maple Leaf approximately CDN$20 million.

Much of the recalled meat was supplied to nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions across Canada. The six regional health authorities in British Columbia have each listed the institutions in their respective jurisdictions that served recalled products to residents or staff. Following are the links to the BC lists.

• Northern Health Authority: 2 confirmed cases
  
• Vancouver Island Health Authority: 1 confirmed case
  
• Interior Health Authority: 1 confirmed case
  
• Vancouver Coastal Health Authority: no confirmed cases
  
• Fraser Health Authority: no confirmed cases
  
• Provincial Health Services Authority: no confirmed cases
  

Canadians in other parts of the country should contact their local health districts or provincial health departments to inquire which institutions may have purchased and served recalled products to their residents or staff. For an updated list of retail-level recalls, keep an eye on our Maple Leaf Retail Recall List post, which is revised whenever new information becomes available.

   

Canada's Listeria Outbreak Continues Unabated

Dr. Mark Raizenne, the Director General of Canada's Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, announced today that the national death toll from the country's Listeria monocytogenes outbreak now stands at twelve, according to a CBC report. The number of lab-confirmed cases has risen to 26 from 21, and there are 29 suspected cases still under investigation.

The hardest-hit province is Ontario, which is reporting 20 confirmed cases, with an additional 13 under investigation. There have been 11 deaths among the 20 confirmed cases; in at least 6 of those deaths, the Listeria monocytogenes infection has been judged an "underlying or contributing cause." 

The outbreak was traced to processed meat from Maple Leaf Consumer Foods' Bartor Road facility in Toronto. Microbiological analysis of two samples of meat from that facility yielded cultures of Listeria monocytogenes that are have genetic fingerprints identical to the outbreak strain isolated from patients. A third sample yielded a very slightly different strain of Listeria monocytogenes.

Maple Leaf has responded to the lab findings by recalling everything produced at the Bartor Road facility since the beginning of June. Some secondary recalls have also been announced by companies who used the Maple Leaf meats to produce prepared sandwiches for retail sale.

Consumers,  managers of institutional food service operations, and owners and operators of deli shops are being reminded to check their food supplies against the recall lists published by Maple Leaf, and to discard any suspect food items. 

Anyone who experiences symptoms consistent with listeriosis and who may have eaten a cold cut or deli meat in recent weeks, should be examined by a doctor. Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and immune-compromised individuals must be especially careful to avoid eating these types of foods. 

For more information, call toll-free 1-800-O Canada.

Maple Leaf Recalls All Food Products From Bartor Road Facility

Maple Leaf Foods has responded to the confirmation that its products were the source of Canada's lethal Listeria monocytogenes outbreak by recalling all outstanding food products from its Bartor Road facility (Establishment No. 97B).

The company will post a complete list of recalled items on its web site some time today. The production facility will remain closed until workers complete a thorough scrub-down and sanitation of the plant. The facility is expected to reopen sometime this week.

As of yesterday evening, 21 cases of listeriosis have been linked by genetic fingerprinting to the contaminated Maple Leaf meat products. Four of those people died as a direct or indirect result of their infection. An additional 30 cases of listeriosis are under investigation to determine whether or not they are part of this same outbreak.

All of the confirmed cases so far have been concentrated in four provinces: Ontario (16 cases, including 3 deaths), British Columbia (3 cases and 1 death), Saskatchewan (1 case) and Quebec (1 case). The 30 additional suspected victims live in Ontario (14), British Columbia (2), Alberta (4), Saskatchewan (2) and Quebec (8).

There will be a press briefing this afternoon in Ottawa at 2pm (EDT) to provide an update on the progress of the outbreak investigation.

Maple Leaf Link To Outbreak Confirmed

According to a report this evening on CBC, the Prime Minister's Office has confirmed the link between Canada's deadly outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes and contaminated meat produced by Maple Leaf Consumer Foods.

As I reported earlier this evening, there have now been four confirmed deaths associated with this outbreak. Twenty one cases of listeriosis have been linked genetically to the outbreak strain, and an additional 30 cases are under investigation.