Toronto Public Health Confirms Two Cases of Listeria; Residents Advised on Food Safety
Toronto — Toronto Public Health (TPH) has confirmed two cases of Listeria in the city, prompting a food safety investigation. The cases are linked to sliced ready-to-eat deli meat products sold by Summerhill Market, which have tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for the illness.
The affected deli meats were packaged at 446 Summerhill Avenue and were sold on or before Thursday, October 3, at the following Summerhill Market locations:
- 446 Summerhill Ave.
- 1054 Mount Pleasant Rd.
- 484 Eglinton Ave. W.
- 1014 Bathurst St.
- 3609 Dundas St. W.
- 32 Wellington Street West, Aurora, York Region.
TPH warns that the affected meat may appear normal and not show signs of spoilage but can still pose a health risk. Residents are advised to immediately dispose of or return these deli meat products to the store where they were purchased. Those who have consumed these products should monitor for symptoms of Listeria and seek medical attention if they develop any signs of illness.
As part of the investigation, TPH has conducted a comprehensive risk assessment, collected samples for testing, and ordered a thorough cleaning of the implicated premises and equipment.
Understanding Listeria
Individuals at higher risk for Listeria infection include older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. TPH recommends that these individuals avoid high-risk foods that are more prone to contamination, such as ready-to-eat meats, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, and raw fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms of listeriosis can manifest anywhere from three days to 70 days after consuming contaminated food or beverages. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, constipation, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the bacteria can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as a stiff neck, confusion, headache, and loss of balance.
Residents experiencing signs of a Listeria infection are urged to contact their local health provider for testing and treatment. For further information, TPH can be reached at 416-338-7600 or via email at publichealth@toronto.ca.
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