Maple Leaf Foods is recalling some of its Maple Leaf brand chicken breast strips because the products may contain the toxin produced by Staphylococcus bacteria.
The specific products being recalled come in 840 gram packages, contain a label stating they are best before September 29, 2018, and contain the UPC code 0 63100 03089 6.
The recall was issued in response to a consumer complaint, according to a press release from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Illnesses have occurred in connection with consumption of the chicken strips.
An investigation is being conducted by the CFIA, which could lead to the recall of other products.
The products were distributed nationally through retailers across Canada.
Consumers who purchased the products involved in the recall are encouraged to either dispose of them or return them to the place where they were purchased.
CFIA cautions consumers that Food contaminated with Staphylococcus toxin may not look or smell spoiled. The toxin produced by Staphylococcusbacteria is not easily destroyed at normal cooking temperatures. Common symptoms of Staphylococcus poisoning are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and fever. In severe cases of illness, headache, muscle cramping and changes in blood pressure and pulse rate may occur.
Earlier Maple Leaf Foods chicken recall
This recall is Maple Leaf Foods' second one related to Staphylococcus in 2017. In May, Maple Leaf Foods recalled Maple Leaf chicken breast strips, Sufra Halal chicken burgers and Mina Halal chicken burgers, also because of possible contamination with a toxin produced by Staphylococcus bacteria.
However, no illnesses were reported in connection with the May Maple Leaf Foods recall.
Headquartered in Mississaugua, Ontario, Maple Leaf Foods’ product line includes value-added prepared meats, lunch kits and snacks, value-added fresh pork and poultry products and refrigerated plant protein products. In June, Maple Leaf Foods announced its ambitions to be the most sustainable protein company on Earth.
