CRF Frozen Foods recall for Listeria Affects 400 products across Canada

A massive food recall is underway in North America.

Over 400 frozen food products from CRF Frozen Foods in Pasco, Washington are being recalled over fears of listeriosis. Listeriosis is caused by a type of bacteria called listeria, which is often found in food.

Food that’s contaminated with listeria may not look or smell spoiled, but it can still make people sick.

And unlike most bacteria, listeria can survive and sometimes grow on foods being stored in the refrigerator, according to Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health.

High-risk foods include:
Uncooked meat and vegetables including pre-packaged leafy greens.
Unpasteurized (raw) milk and cheeses and other food made from unpasteurized milk.
Ready-to-eat meats such as hot dogs, pâté and deli meats.
Refrigerated smoked seafood and fish.

Listeriosis can be avoided by cooking food properly and by following safe food handling practices, such as:
Thoroughly cleaning fruits and vegetables under cool running water.
Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces used for food preparation.
Thoroughly cooking all foods.
Refrigerating or freezing prepared food and leftovers within two hours.
Keeping leftovers for a maximum of four days.
Reheating leftovers to an internal temperature of 74 C.

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. For more information, check out the Public Health Canada website at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fs-sa/fs-fi/listerios-eng.php.