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HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

PREMIER GOURMET SMOKED SALMON CREAM CHEESE MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

OTTAWA, December 16, 2004 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Premier Seafoods Ltd. are warning the public not to consume Premier Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Premier Gourmet Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese, is sold in a 454g package bearing UPC 6 28444 00113 3 and a Best before date 04DE25.

Premier Seafoods Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia. is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The affected product was sold only in Ontario through Costco Wholesale Canada retail outlets.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacterium can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Pregnant women, young children, 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. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call:

The CFIA at 1-800-442-2342. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time - Monday to Friday.

For information on receiving recalls by electronic mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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