Sask. senior diagnosed with listeriosis dies

While Maple Leaf Foods' initial reaction to a bacterial outbreak was good, a lack of transparency and inward looking statements has hurt the company's stature,

Canada AM: Bob Kingston, Public Service Alliance of Canada

The recent outbreak of Listereia in many Maple Leaf Foods products is changing the way the industry conducts safety checks.

CTV National News: Janet Dirks on Harper addressing the meat recall

As the massive recall of meat contaminated with listeria continues, Prime Minister Harper says food inspections must be stricter.

CTV Toronto: Chris Eby on the growing recall list

More meat products have been added to the growing list of food that's part of a large and unprecidented recall.

CTV Toronto: Paul Bliss on the political fallout

The extensive recall has triggered criticisms, many of which are directed at the Ontario government.

CTV British Columbia: Correspondents look at what stores are still selling the recalled products

The death toll from the listeriosis outbreak continues to climb, and will all those affected, a nation-wide class-action lawsuit has been filed.

CTV Calgary: Reg Hamptoon talks to concerned Calgarians

Alberta's HealthLink line is being bombarded with calls from people concerned about the listeriosis outbreak.

CTV Edmonton: Meat recalls revitalize small-time butcher shops

Some small-scale butcher shops in Edmonton say they are benefiting from the nationwide meat recalls as more people look elsewhere for a safe source for meat.

CTV Winnipeg: Rachel Lagace on fears the listeria could spread through blood supplies

A Winnipeg woman who contracted Hepatitis C through a blood transfusion is worried the listeria outbreak could contaminate Canada's blood supply.

Canada AM: Tony Merchant, Merchant Law Group

A number of different groups of people who have fallen victim to tainted meats from Maple Leaf Foods are resting their hopes on a class action suit.

Canada AM: Juanita Melvin, a plaintiff in Maple Leaf lawsuit, describes how the illness has affected her family

A woman who got sick as a result of eating one of the recalled products details the chronology of her illness.

Canada AM: Garfield Balsom, from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, on which meat to avoid

Health officials now say 12 deaths have been linked to a listeriosis outbreak from a Maple Leaf Foods plant. But it's unclear what exact role the bacteria may have had in six of those deaths.

CTV National News: Janet Dirks and what Canadians should know about the food recall

The nationwide outbreak of listeriosis traced back to contaminated meat products from a Maple Leaf food facility in Toronto is now being linked to 12 deaths, heath officials say.

CTV Toronto: Naomi Parness looks at the confidence consumers still have in the company

The death toll continues to rise in the nationwide outbreak of listeria, with health officials confirming the bacteria could be connected to at least 12 deaths.

CTV British Columbia: Correspondents on why a major grocery chain was slow in reacting to the recall

As the biggest meat recall explands, so is the number of people being infected with the Listeria bacteria, but some companies were still slow to take the products off their shelves.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Aug. 26 2008 10:47 PM ET

A Saskatchewan senior who contracted listeriosis in the outbreak linked to Maple Leaf Foods has died, but health officials are not confirming that the bacteria caused her death.

The woman, who was in her late 70s, was a patient at a long-term care facility near Saskatoon.

She contacted the bacteria in July and died on Sunday, but health officials say she has been in and out of hospital with various health problems.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

Currently, at least 12 people infected with Listeria traced back to a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Ontario have died, although the bacteria is believed to have only caused -- or been a strong factor in -- six of those deaths.

More sandwiches pulled

Four more ready-made sandwich brands have been pulled from shelves following the massive recall of Maple Leaf Foods meat products.

In its first statement early Tuesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said Metro Ontario Incorporated is warning the public not to eat its Fresh 2 Go turkey sandwiches.

The sandwiches, which contain the ready-to-eat deli meat products recalled by Maple Leaf Foods, were sold in A & P and Dominion stores in Ontario.

In a second statement, CFIA said Prepared Foods Limited has issued a warning about not consuming the Irving, Sub Delicious, and Needs brand sandwiches.

The sandwiches, which also contain Maple Leaf meat products, were sold in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Maple Leaf issued a limited recall after Listeria bacteria was found on some of the products produced at one of its Toronto plants.

The company then recalled all meat products that were manufactured at its Toronto facility after three people died in Ontario, and one in British Columbia.

The expanded list -- described as precautionary by Maple Leaf -- now includes up to 220 products.

"There are inspectors all over the country as well as public health officials visiting establishments, restaurants and institutions to ensure this product is removed from the marketplace," CFIA spokesman Garfield Balsom told CTV's Canada AM on Tuesday.

CFIA officials and Maple Leaf executives say more testing is need to determine if the tainted meat directly contributed to any of the deaths.

"That would be an investigation by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the local health units," Balsom told The Canadian Press. "They do the food history, so they would make the linkages."

The disease has an incubation period of up to 90 days, meaning there could be more cases in the coming weeks.

Harper speaks

At an Ottawa news conference announcing a $100-million expenditure on Arctic seabed mapping, Prime Minister Stephen Harper told reporters on Tuesday that Canadians have a right to expect safe food.

"I think all of us, and obviously I include my own family in this, we expect that when we shop that the things we buy or that we eat are going to be safe," he said.

"This is a serious concern. That's why I indicated ... that it's necessary to reform and revamp our food and product inspection regimes."

Harper defended the presence of Health Minister Tony Clement at the U.S. Democratic National Convention in Denver, saying primary responsibility lies with the Agriculture and Food department.

"I think all members of the government has been on top of this," Harper said, adding he thinks the government has handled the crisis properly.

"I think we all feel tremendously for those who have been affected by this terrible development and I want to express ... my condolences to those families that have been affected."

Clement later told Newsnet from that he is in constant communication with Ottawa on the outbreak file and will be returning Wednesday for a cabinet meeting.

Lawsuit

Meanwhile, a Montreal lawyer who specializes in class-action lawsuits has launched legal action against Maple Leaf Foods.

Tony Merchant, of Merchant Law Group, said the suit will represent three classes of people -- those who have become sick after ingesting the food, those who have suffered a financial loss for having to throw meat out and those who are suffering from mental distress because of the outbreak.

"All sorts of people have eaten the meats and have the reasonable expectation that they may be endangered," said Merchant. "So, for the next 90 days, they're not even going to know if they have a problem.

"We believe that in this kind of an instance there may be millions of people who are entitled to compensation."

The suit is being launched in four provinces -- Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Juanita Melvin, a plaintiff in the Maple Leaf lawsuit, got sick after eating one of the tainted products.

"I wasn't sure why I was sick and then I heard about the outbreak," Melvin told CTV's Canada AM on Tuesday from Quebec. "I went into a panic because in 1981 I lost my son because of the same bacteria."

Merchant said it could take months before a judge approves the cases and years before the complainants receive compensation.

"We'll find out whether Maple Leaf handled the recall properly and we'll find out whether they knew about the problems and reacted early enough," said Merchant.

Anyone wishing for more information from the company can call their consumer affairs hotline at 1-800-568-5801.

For more information online about the recalled products click here.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

RB
said

Responsibll ? Are you lost in space ? They waited untill they can't anymore , after what 1 death and almost 30 days later ? Give your head a shake , and more people are going to die from this , 90 days you will see the total and most are from nursing homes and hospitals . Only today i found out they started to offer a refund but for weeks we were told to throw it out in the garbage , that way they get to keep at least half or more money made . Maybe you ate a tainted hot dog a month ago , you might pay for it in October now hows that feel ?

C.C.
said

I completely agree with garys comments alot of places do hide situations like this and neglect to inform the necessary officals leaving the consumer at risk. I hope that this teaches companies and stores that they do need to inform the public when these things come up because lives can be at risk. In my opinion ML is doing things the right way by keeping us informed but the public still deserves to know the parts that are being hid. Like whether or not foods that were near or may have come into contact withh the contaminated meats would be effected to? And if precautions on that are being made to! Such as places making packaged meals are they recalling the foodsd that might have come into contact or is the consumer being left in the dark for that! Plants the mass produce food items usually make more then one item a day and how are we to know if they are taking to necessary precautions in between items to insure that the bacteria is not passed on into other foods that may not be on the list of recalls. I thank gary for coming forward and making it known to the public that these thing are hidden in some cases and thanks again to ML for stepping up to the plate and doing all they can to insure that people are aware. Keep us informed!!

MB
said

Well this can all be avoided by cooking your own meat @ home then slicing it, I know it takes longer but it avoids major disaster like such.

rmb
said

My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and have had loved ones ill from this bacteria.

Unfortunately, bacteria of all sorts are prevalent wherever foods are handled,be it in the factory, in a restaurant, or right in your own home. No matter how much care is taken, life happens and bacteria will spread. No one is able to totally prevent spreads of bacteria, no matter how well precautions are taken, and unfortunately too, it takes time to test and track the source of outbreaks. It cannot be done overnight. Maple Leaf is to be commended for taking the steps of additional recalls beyond the infected lines.

As to avoiding Maple Leaf products, it would be difficult to avoid all products produced in their plants. Any food processing plant produces lines that are not just their name brands but for other companies as well. So recalls will affect more than one name.

Perhaps we need to remember that our health and the health of our loved ones is our ultimate responsibility and we need to take the appropriate steps to monitor what we eat and now we prepare it at home.

miss-m
said

i was just wondering if the schniders was on recall too for the bacteria in the maple leaf products, since it is made by the same company, just to be on the safe side.. i threw it all out, an well i just want to know so i know not to buy it anymore, till its cleared..

Ron Tully
said

Good for Maple Leaf and the others admitting and recalling the possible problem foods. Bad for them not withdrawing and recalling the lot at the begining. I just found out the Bitters Kolobassa was recalled after we ate itand after the first recall as a diabetic its worrysome. Add to it several subs from Mr.Sub and well I feel like a test animal for the Canadian Food services.

Shevette
said

Let me guess, the meat involved came from Mexico?

Seriously, I used to work in a meat processing facility that made the product for turkey dogs. If you knew how some of the workers regarded "quality control" you would be very grossed out. Support your local butcher and hope for the best that he's a clean guy!

kellly
said

What about frozen pizza,pizza pockets,the lunch kits and those types of items they all contain those types meats

Bernice
said

Island girl hit the nail on the head about being compensated for 'mental distress' for buying the meat then compensated for thowing it out. Good Lord! What next? Should we compensate people because the toilet tissue they used left 'evidence' on their behinds when the ad said it wouldn't? Wonder who's butt we'll see on the news as evidence there!

bb said we should stop relying on 'convenience' foods and she's right - to an extent. Rather hard to do in this day and age I'm afraid. But she also further says "the REAL world has bugs, bacteria, germs and a host of unseen dangers." So which world should we move to if not the REAL one?

This IS the real world. Things happen and sometimes there are no guarantees regardless of who's incharge. I just think we need to use more logic and common sense when living on this planet. We ALL need to take responsibility for our own actions and yes, sometimes even the actions of others.

I for one WILL continue to buy products made by Maple Leaf once it has been determined HOW this has happened, the source of the viruse has been identified and all the wheels have been put into motion so that it never happens again.

Do I believe that something like this WON'T happen again, hardly. I'll just be more vigilent in the products I buy and consume. It's all any of us can do.

nancydave@hotmail.com
said

I will probably never eat any maple leaf products again.As i walk through the meat isle now i wonder what is safe.I dont ever want to be sick from poor cleaness.I now wonder if i should only eat eggs and bread or just veggies so I can stay heathy I hope that they can get my trust back in there but it will take alot of time

RRor
said

I have to agree with Christa... "fresh" up to 28 days I don't think so.
We've become a pretty sad society when we can't take the time to make a sandwich.

TG
said

I have to give them credit for the prompt action they took when they found out what was happening. But it does send a chill down your spine when you have to second guess what you have bought and eaten. But we live in a day and age where we have to take precautions in most of the things we do. So as the famous line goes: "Buyer Beware"

Panbear
said

I am saddened that there has been personal loss for the families of the deceased. However, my charity of choice would like to thank Tony Merchant, of Merchant Law Group. We started a bet at work to see how long it would take for a lawyer to launch a lawsuit over all this. I won the pot and donated the money. Let's not try to get to the bottom of the problem and fix it, let's just get some money while we can. Sad but true.

jimmy
said

Mcain frozen pizzas do they contain peperoni from maple leaf foods should pizzas be recalled

Concerned
said

I will never eat lunch meat again. This is scary.

jayme
said

To sherrie vanderaa
1)The list of items effetced have been posted all over on news casts etc.

2)Maple leaf has done a lot and they should get credit fort that. However some stores did not remove the items in question so should that be maple leafs probleam. I really don't think so. Stores have to take some heat for this as well.

3)As for a refund that would be a very hard thing to do. People would have to have proof it just can't just eb ya i had it give me my money back,

Tony
said

To Edb:

because of NAFTA our livestock will mostly come from the US or Mexico.

Rick in NB
said

I would have commented earlier, but i got stuck in the sweet suckup goo poster PP left on my screen." A true show of real leadership". That is where you have exposed yourself.
As for the lawsuit. I am against ambulance chasers as much as the next guy. Remember we are only hearing of this after people got sick. Considering the 90 day incubation period these meats could have been on the shelves for some time. Was anyone aware of this fact before the recall. These are things we can't know so as you say leave the law to the lawyers.

dave
said

To be critical of lawyers in this situation is absurd. Families who have lost a loved one or experienced illness or consumed a recalled product are all justified in bringing lawsuits against Maple Leaf . But doing so as individuals is very expensive. Doing so as part of a group is more reasonable. Lawyers are simply providing a service. No. I am not a lawyer nor am I a shareholder in Maple Leaf Foods. And I don't recall buying cold cuts from Maple Leaf recently. But I forgot that this company supplied so many other products under different corporate names.The injured parties have every right to seek compensation and lawyers have every right to support them in court.

RLWK
said

Oh people..you amaze me.
Never buying anything ML again you say Bev? Better add the rest of their products they produce to your boycott list. Oh wait, let me guess, you didn't KNOW they produced more than just ML products? How about Schnieders, Shopsy's, Dempsters, Bittners, Olivieri, Burns...shall I go on?
I wish you luck in your next trip to the grocery store. Listeria bacteria is everywhere, including your fruits and vegetables. You going to stop buying those too?

CS
said

I will continue to purchase Maple Leaf products as soon as everything is resolved. This could have happened to any company and I find it ridiculous that people would boycott all Maple Leaf products.

Tazzy
said

All said and done one can not change can the doctors know if one is infected by blood test?

ML should have let the public know early mistake is a mistake but should not cost someone life

sherrie vanderaa
said

We are told "when in doubt throw it out" What happened to ML? Shouldn't it be that when in doubt "recall ALL the product" instead of further risking people's health while they search for the answer only to expand the recall list repeatetly. How many days did ML continue to sell product and earn profit while all the while contaminated products continued to be sold? How in are people supposed to check the lables on items that have already been consumed and the wrappers disposed of? Why should we throw it out, why not refund the consumer? So you think those on social assistance can afford to simply "throw it out"? I have only seen the lists via internet, what about those who do not have internet access? Shame

Sherrie Vanderaa
said

I believe that ML has done exactly what their PR and Lawyers have told them to do no more, no less. The apology is spin. How many more inspectors need to be cut back to save federal $? Why do we repeatedly rely on internal inspections when corporate bonuses and shareholder payouts rely on the results? Who do I feel sorry for? Those who trusted the product, the company and the inspectors who are now in fear of illness due to taking a lunch to work, school or a picnic.

tonya
said

questions;

Are there any medication canadians can take incase they are affected.

can infected breasting moms pass this on to their newborn baby.

Ryan
said

How is it that during the whole Walkerton ordeal, then Provincial Liberals were lambasting the Provincial Conservatives of Ontario? Now, not a peep about the screw-ups of the current Ontario Provincial Liberals. The only peep coming from the Provincial Liberals is putting the blame on the Federal Conservatives. Do I sense some irresponsibility (still) from the Liberal party in not taking any blame for this disgusting act in not ensuring our food supply is safe?

Patti
said

I totally agree with bb.
What a shame that so many people rely on prepackaged and highly processed food. Take responsiblilty for what you put into your own mouth.Any time food stuffs are produced in a factory setting or any place other than your own kitchen you do not know what you are putting into your mouth. A factory setting like Maple Leaf can only do so much. It is a good thing most people do not see the kitchens of there favorite restaurants or butchers. Shame on the lawyers, it is true they circle like sharks.

Bev
said

This entire situation is heart-breaking ... people have died ... what else can be said. Maple Leaf is acting responsibly, but what else can they do if they hope to retain any kind of market once this is over? I have no doubt in my mind that they have plenty of lawyers and ad execs guiding them on "damage control" and the only way they can possibly retain any kind of market share is to simply confess to what has occurred, try to clean up the plant, and try to regain a hold in the market. I for one will not purchase another Maple Leaf product period ... that being said, I won't be purchasing any brand of deli meats. Yes, I suppose this could happen in any plant, but I have lost complete confidence in their products ... I'll pay the extra and purchase from a local butcher.

Cathie
said

JP lawyers are worse in Canada. They charge triple than those in the US!
I want the govt blamed. How could this happen to so much meat? In 04 the govt vowed they would do more inspections and said how they wouldn make more meat inspections mandatory. the CFIA failed again.

The CFIA allows different food inspection standards for different products. Go on the CFIA website. There needs to be onen national standard for all foods. Period.

King of Kensington
said

It's very sad when lunch becomes death. I guess no matter how much is done to protect meat, sometimes bad things are going to happen. Just like flying, eating can be risky too. 9 times out of 10, you'll be fine but when that 1 out of 10 happens, it's catastrophic. My condolences to those that have lost loved ones.

bb
said

Perhaps "we" should stop relying on "convenience" food products. The REAL world has bugs, bacteria, germs and a host of unseen dangers.
North Americans are spoilt by our clean readily available food market and place responsibility on "producers" to protect us from harm.
Maple Leaf and other companies are no better or worse than the individuals who work for them. Some workers operate with high professional ideals and personal standards of behavior and ethics in how they do their jobs. Some do not.
To read a response from a mother who daily cuts open a prepackaged meal for her 18month old child is abhorrent. Let alone Listeria danger, the amount of processing additives, salt and nitrites in the packaged meat products guarantee impact to the health of her child.
Perhaps those looking to jump on the "oh my my...I'm so frightened by the risk" law suit should take a long look in the mirror at their own responsibility for their own health and safety. There are homes in Canada that never use these products.....with good reason.

pp
said

Dear Tracy-Thomas Jude Merriam
"I think PP works for maple leaf. Why else would he say something like that and not even leave his name."

I DO NOT WORK FOR ML

But I do work in 'Corporate Canada' and I do know what kind of things get hidden each and every day.

It is a real pleasure to see a corporation stepping up to the plate and being SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE. Not sure what you work at but I am overly educated and highly trained and skilled and I know what goes on in Corporate Canada. This has REALLY impressed me.

ena
said

Money will not bring back those people who have already died .Leave well enough along let the people clean up the plant and take your meats back to the store and get your money back for them . DO not let lawyers make a dime off other people sadness and pain
I say after 100 years of clean health we need to give Maple Leaf a break.I will buy after all the scare is over with as will everyone else .

Gary again
said

Keep in mind guys, listeria is everywhere. It could have been brought into the Maple Leaf plant on one of their ingredients from another supplier. If the paperwork says an ingredient it is ok to use, then it will be used. maple Leaf must trust that their suppliers are doing all they can. It takes too long to get the results if product is tested after it is made yet before it is shipped out. The shelf life ticks away. Maple Leaf really does have an excellent system, probably one of the best in the country. I am in the business and have never seen anything like this in my life. They are handling it the best they can. Just because it is in their product, doesn't mean it is their fault or that there was anything that could have been done to prevent it. Listeria is everywhere.

eskiefan
said

What I find scary here is there are so many "brands" affected that are all made in the one Maple Leaf plant. Normally we might feel safe going to another brand but it's a false security because they're really all one. If these were all small companies the potential for massive disaster would be dramatically minimized. This is a real drawback to megabrand companies: there is an appearance of safety in diversity but the potential for disaster is huge.

island girl
said

Come On! Compensation for 'mental distress' from having bought the meat, and compensation for having thrown it out?? And you're not even sick? The stores are giving refunds, and if you're "mentally distressed" without even knowing if you've eaten tainted meat, buck up. The chances are slim. If you are seriously ill, or someone dies, I know ML will make it right without greedy lawyers. Leave the money to those who may need it.

Mike. S
said

PP looks to be a plant for Maple Leaf. Lets look at the real issue. People are dead or very ill. We live in a country where we can not make our own sandwich and/or needs to have one thrown together a meal at a fast food/junk food joint. The lawyers and the company spin doctors will be raking in the cash over the next 5 years.

Mike S

Allan Eizinas
said

This listeriosis outbreak is discomforting. What really surprises me is the difficulty in tracking the meat.

Once the cause, distributor and plant were identified you would assume that the recall of the meat would be quick process. Unfortunately it appears that the incubation period for listeriosis is variable and ranges from 3 to 70 days, with the median incubation period being three weeks. This means that the death toll will probably continue to climb.

Living in the town of Simcoe, near to the north shore of Lake Erie and considered part of rural Ontario, we continue to purchase our meats only from local butchers, who feed, grow, butcher, process and package their own products. That is one of the many advantages of living in this area.

By the way, I wonder how sales for that mouthwash "Listerine" are going?

Brenda
said

Well said JP. I believe we should let ML deal with this as well. As long as they are prepared to handle the damages fairly. We have long watched in disgust as our US neighbors have played the money game in court and I for one have no interest in becoming associated with that kind of behavior.
BR

Bernice
said

First off, my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and to those who are now ill because of this.

On the other hand, I also want to thank ML for being a responsible corporate citizen in how they are dealing with this crisis. The grief and concerns of ALL those connect with ML, should not be overlooked or disregarded.

It is sad however, that now some lawyers see this as an opportune time to 'fatten' their own wallets.

There are no winners here, just some extremely difficult and frustrating lessons we have all hopefully learned and will not see repeated - ever.

Tracy-Thomas Jude Merriam
said

I think PP works for maple leaf. Why else would he say something like that and not even leave his name.

Jimmy B Perth Ontario
said

The real storyline here is the fact that Maple Leaf Foods were smart enough and good enough according to Gary's comments to come to the table with the info and the recall. The CEO seemed to be very sincere in his TV ads last night and I feel that ML Foods are doing all they can to nip this problem in the bud. They apparently employ 23,000 people and don't think for a minute how they (the employees) are feeling right about now. This is no worse than automobile faults that cause deaths and automakers sometimes wait until countless numbers of people die before a major recall to fix the problem. At least Maple Leaf has acted expediciously and professionally until it is proven otherwise.

Edb
said

While the Dalton police are chasing vendors out of local farmer's markets for not meeting so-called government standards, the mass producers of fabricated meat products are poisoning the population. Wake up people, support your local farmers if you can, the alternative is to have over reaching government dictate the food supply....which in the end, you know is going to be from China.

Munro - Brampton
said

Oh, please. Mental distress ?! I ate some of the precooked ML chicken strips for a wrap last Saturday; they were not made at #97B but the next day Price Chopper's pulled them. I'm not worried. And so you may have to throw some stuff away, I mean how much would one buy all at once anyway. It's not like this happens very often. I also get the impression ML reacted quickly.

kriss
said

I agree with Ian and JP on this. The lawyers will come out ahead. I do believe that Maple Leaf is doing the best they can. Let's hope that the people who deserve whatever money comes out of this actually get it and NOT the lawyers.

Robin the Hood
said

The fact that this debacle has gone this far indicates there were serious safety and health problems with this company. There are many other meat processors who do NOT have this problem. Regardless of the pro-business, right wing, anti-consumer (aka: victim) nonsense being regurgitated here the fact is that people have died and many others are or will be sick due to corporate negligence. The fact that the problem went this far indicates concealment at the top levels and an investigation is demanded,.. and don't bother to wait for pro corporate Harper to do something unless he thinks it will earn him votes. That being said it is ashame that this company is likely doomed along with many jobs. Again thanks to the top executive (who will likely not see more than a bonus cut at most, naturally).
Except for occasional ham I rarely ate processed deli meats and this reinforces my avoidance of them altogether.

Mel
said

Gary, It's too bad you chose to work in such places that were so unconcerned about food safety. I can assure you, that is not the norm. Most places are VERY stringent about food safety and inspections.
I know of places that have thrown out their ML meat simply because it's ML and they don't want to risk their customer's safety, not because it's been recalled, yet.
I also see this lawsuit as pure greed on the part of the lawyer in charge. After all, anyone could claim they ate the meat and are now worried and emotionally traumatized. Anyone can say they had to toss tons of meat.

Roger T
said

No Maple Leaf foods for me or my friends. It'll take the company 10yrs to get back in gear, even than they are dealing with food so I'll have to question that.

Earl Robert
said

Most people will not wash their hands before touching food. Think about it. Listeria monocytogenes can be spread by contact with infected hands. Every time you go to the washroom, take notice of how many people don't wash their hands. Are you one of them? Lets start with washing our hands of lawyers like Mr. Merchant. This is not a "Cash Cow" or a "Lottery". If you know someone that touched someone that knew some one that.... well you get the idea!

Karen
said

It is so nice to see a big corporate company taking responsibility.
It is just to bad that lawyers and some people will make money off a mistake. A costly and deadly mistake but, still a mistake. I agree get rid of the lawyers and let Maple Leaf deal with the families most affected.
This mental anguish for having to throw out your meat is a bunch of crap.For the people who have died, my heart goes out to your families and if you feel suing a company is going to make you feel better or bring back your loved ones well all the best to ya.
I stand behind Maple Leaf and this is just a very sad situation for all.
Karen from Ontario

russ
said

I would have to agreed with JP. Long drawn out law suits never accomplished the intended result. Unfortunately, the end result only benefits a few and not those immediately affected. Let Maple Leaf deal directly with those affected to ensure full compensation and cut the middle man out.

Mae
said

I agree with Ian and Jp. Bravo to Maple Leaf for acting responsible and quickly

hm
said

It seems that everybody is commenting Mapel Leafe for "standing up and being Sorry" for the death of 12 people , and probably more to come, because of poor inspection.
What really gets me is that some Lame-Brain politician tells people to throw those products out, not return it: No No..."throw it out". In other words , safe the companys and their share holders butts.
This is a company who got millions from tax payers to build and maintain plant in several provinces only to shut them down and move everything to larger plants , like the one in Toronto. And in the process ruin the livelyhood of the local farmers.

Christa
said

I"m sorry for those families who have suffered because of this outbreak. I'm also wondering if this is another wake-up call for consumers-why are we eating "fresh" sandwiches with a shelf life of up to 28 days?

Jen
said

Shame on Merchant Law Group for making a bad situation worse, Maple Leaf has stepped up and shown accountability for this accident. The three families that lost a love one certainly do deserve some sort of compensation, but people who had to throw out product? And those suffering mental distress? That is just going to bring out people looking for a quick buck. Stuff like this happens, deal with it and move on.

Buba
said

I wonder what the difference in cost would be if the product had to be proven safe before it left the plant, instead of proven infected before production is halted?

Chris
said

It was only a matter of time before the ambulance chasers got their filthy noses into this. I feel bad for Maple Leaf because this lawyer is going to do everything he can to make them look like an uncaring, vile corporation, when they have been anything but. I think in the last week, they've shown that they are putting people first, and profits be damned. I wager 90% of people applying for this suit weren't actually sick, and are looking for the "emotional distress" compensation.

JP
said

LAW SUITS- Leave it to Lawyers- Our Canadian Lawyers are becoming NO BETTER then the SHarks in the USA.
Shame on them. Getting rich on people losses.
Let Maple Leaf deal with the family so they get all that is offered and the Lawyers dont get a "CUT" of the take.
This is an incident hat could of happened anywhere at anytime to anyone.

Ian Ottawa
said

Lets watch the lawyers start the feeding frenzy. The class action suit will make them richer and the billable hours will be through the roof. The rich will get richer and the victims will get a $103.47 cheque. Maple Leaf will end up raising the price to cover the loss.

jayme
said

I really think it worst when its not made known to the public like gary said.

Gary
said

Don't feel too safe. I worked in two Federal Establishments in Nova Scotia and PEI that both , at one point, had an outbreak of Listeria Monocytogene within the product. The problem was dealt with internally and never revealed to the public, even though product was on the shelf. It is usually a reflection on how well the Inspector in Charge is monitoring the businesses themselves. If the Inspector has failed in his duties or is at fault for not doing his job, then the issue is dealt with internally as the company usually does not want the negative publicity and is more than happy to cover it up. I worked in one place where the General Manager handed in an altered report because it was shown his food wasn't safe to eat. Good job Maple Leaf for having the guts to do what is right, not taking the easy way out. Modified Atmoshere Sandwiches are at great risk as the modified package can hide the effects of tainted food. These sandwiches have a shelf life of usually 28 to 36 days on them. Be smart, contact the companies or the CFIA and request the proof that the sandwiches have been tested to prove they are safe for the stated period of time. Some do not do the shelf life testing and the CFIA does not enforce it to be done, even though it is suppossed to be.

pp
said

I agree with Winter - I think M.L. has acted very responsibly - it is EXTREMELY refreshing to see a corporation acting responsibly and not trying bluster or bully their way through a situation, or trying to put the blame elsewhere - some Gov't types could learn much from this action.

I do feel very badly for the company's execs as they are the one to ultimately take the wrap for this. There will likely be many 'heads rolling' for this.

Personally I do not feel in anyway that it is unsafe to consume our Canadian produce. Stuff happens and we deal with it, and we move on. Canada's standards are very high in food production.

Keep up the excellent job Maple Leaf - I know I appreciate your maturity and resposibility in taking action on this issue.

A true show of real leadership.

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