Release:

OTTAWA, July 17, 2012 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Sobeys Quebec Inc. are warning the public not to consume the Earth Greens brand Organic Italian Blend salad described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Earth Greens brand Organic Italian Blend salad, product of USA, is sold in a 198 g plastic clamshell package bearing UPC 8 18431 00107 3, Best Before date 2012 JL 13, and lot code 2217915MI.

This product has been distributed in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Nunavut.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

The importer, Sobeys Quebec Inc., Montreal, QC is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 /TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Listeria monocytogenes, visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/listeriae.shtml.

For information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA’s Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp.

To find out more about receiving recalls by e-mail, and other food safety facts, visit: www.foodsafety.gc.ca. Food and consumer product recalls are also available at http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca