Salad recalled in Canada because of contamination with Listeria

Co-op brand creamy garlic and spinach salad is being recalled in Canada because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the salad was distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan.

The recall was triggered by the company. No illnesses related to the recalled product had been confirmed as of the posting of the recall notice. 

Consumers can use the following information to determine whether they have the recalled product:

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.