Vancouver Public Health (VCH) issued an advisory on October 14 warning customers not to consume any produce or ready-to-eat foods made in-house at Foody World, at 3000 Sexsmith Road in Richmond, due to possible Listeria contamination.
The warning includes all ready-to-eat meat products such as BBQ pork and marinated meats, sushi, produce and baked goods purchased at the Foody World grocery store since July 2016.
Food Safety News is reporting the advisory tells customers who have any produce, ready-to-eat or raw food items from Foody World to please dispose of them immediately. To date, six people have been hospitalized with listeriosis associated with the consumption of feed items purchased at the facility.
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen that can cause an illness called Listeriosis. Symptoms can include fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and muscle aches. These symptoms usually start within four weeks but can appear as late as 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Listeriosis can become a very severe and life-threatening illness, especially in pregnant women and newborns, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. If you think you have an infection caused by Listeria, see a doctor for testing and medical advice or treatment.
Again, the VCH public health inspectors have closed the store and kitchen. The store will remain closed until it meets all health and safety standards. For consumers with questions surrounding this VCH notice: call Health Protection at 604-233-3147 and ask to speak to a senior environmental health officer.