Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this 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.
Perhaps the most notorious Listeriosis outbreak in Canada took place in 2008 by contaminated deli meat products produced by Maple Leaf Foods in the Toronto area.
Here is a video that was posted online in late August of 2008 by the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the outbreak:
Here is the message produced by Maple Leaf Foods regarding the outbreak:
