Two cases of Listeria confirmed in Toronto from ready-to-eat deli meat

Toronto Public Health has confirmed two cases of Listeria in the city, according to a statement released Friday.

The bacteria were found in sliced ready-to-eat deli meat sold by Summerhill Market, a local grocery chain that has locations in Rosedale, the Annex and Forrest Hill, among others.

Public health officials say the affected meat products have a label indicating they were packaged at 446 Summerhill Avenue. They were sold on or before Thursday, October 3 at the following 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

While the affected meat may not look or smell spoiled, officials say it can still cause sickness and are advising residents to immediately dispose of or return the meat products to the location where they were purchased.

Anyone who may have consumed these products is advised to watch for symptoms of Listeria and to seek medical attention if any issue arises.

Toronto Public Health has launched an investigation into the outbreak.

In a notice to customers posted on its website, Summerhill Market said it is cooperating with both Toronto Public Health and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

“We were extremely concerned to learn that the Beef Tongue in Jelly we purchased from our third-party supplier, in its fully sealed and unsliced state, tested positive for listeria,” read the statement.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we voluntarily and proactively recalled all products from the specific supplier and products that may have come into contact with the same slicer used for the Beef Tongue in Jelly. We have also conducted a professional and thorough deep clean and sanitation of all equipment, racking and areas that may have come into contact with these products.”

Summerhill has listed 26 products it says should not be consumed and can be returned to their stores for a full refund.

The CFIA has also recalled three types of Wagener’s brands of Jelly Tongue due to Listeria concerns. The products in question have a best before date of 26NO24
208, 16DE24 229, and 30DE24 243.

“The recalled products may have been sold by various retailers, either clerk-served, sliced, chunked or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name or best before date,” according to the CFIA.  

Those who are most at-risk of getting ill from Listeria include older adults, pregnant people and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of listeriosis can start after three days or could take as long as 70 days to appear. They include:

•  Fever
• Nausea
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Constipation
• Muscle aches

In severe cases, where the bacteria spreads to the nervous system, individuals can experience stiff neck, confusion, headache and loss of balance.

At-risk individuals are advised to avoid high-risk foods that are more prone to contamination, like ready-to-eat meats, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk and raw fruits and vegetables.