TORONTO (AP) -- Despite a massive clean-up effort, a plant at the center of a deadly listeriosis outbreak that killed at least 17 people across Canada has produced more contaminated meat samples, according to both the company and Canada's food safety watchdog.
Both Maple Leaf Foods Inc. and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency released statements late Wednesday night saying four samples out of thousands taken at Maple Leaf's Toronto facility had tested positive for the bacterium.
None of the products produced at the plant since it reopened Sept. 17 have been sold and there is no danger to the public, the company and the CFIA said.
The plant was shut down in mid-August after lab tests discovered the contamination. Further investigation later traced the bacteria to slicing machines in the facility.
Listeria bacterium, a type of food poisoning, was found embedded deep inside the plant's slicing equipment used on processed meats including bologna, turkey, ham and other products.
Maple Leaf recalled thousands of products in light of the outbreak.
Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning that can be dangerous to people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
