Prime Minister Stephen Harper has set the terms of reference for an independent investigation into the recent Listeria outbreak that has killed at least 13 people across the country.

The objectives for the investigators were released Saturday, on the eve of a federal election call:

  • They are to examine the events, circumstances and factors that contributed to the listeriosis outbreak;
  • review the efficiency and effectiveness of the response of the federal organizations; and,
  • make recommendations on what could be done to prevent a similar outbreak in the future and remove contaminated products from stores and warehouses.

The results of the investigation are expected by March of next year and will not examine criminal or civil liability for those involved in the outbreak.

Listeriosis has been making headlines since the end of August after a national outbreak of the infection was linked to Maple Leafs Foods plant near Toronto. In all, Maple Leaf has recalled about 200 products as a result of the outbreak.

Health officials say there are 39 total cases of listeriosis related to the Maple Leaf outbreak.

Quebec recalls more cheese

Meanwhile, eight more cheese products were recalled in Quebec on Saturday due to concerns they may contain the Listeria bacterium. That brings the total number of cheeses recalled in the province since Thursday to 11.

The Quebec government issued the recall after one person died of the infection and 14 other cases were confirmed. Health officials say the number of cases could reach 24.

"These measures are exceptional but justified," Guy Auclair, the director of emergency measures for Quebec's agriculture department, told a news conference in Quebec City on Saturday.

"A major operation is in effect to control this outbreak," he said.

The province will now conduct more inspections of businesses that make raw milk cheese products. "We want to assure consumers that everything is being done to ensure food security," Auclair said.

The eight products recalled today were packaged after July 12 and were manufactured by Menard de St-Gedeon of Lac-St-Jean, Que.

Three other cheeses were recalled Thursday. They were made by The Fromagiers de la table ronde in Ste-Sophie, Que., and have packaging dates after July 14.

The two companies distribute their products to 300 outlets in the province.

The cheeses recalled have the names Le Rang des Iles, Le 14 Arpents, Les Petits Vieux, Le Gedeon, Le Menard, Le Couvertine, Le Cabrouet, Les Cailles, Le Fleurdelyse, Le Fou du Roy and Le Rassembleu.

Auclair said other products that may have come into contact with the potentially-contaminated cheeses "should be thrown out because they could constitute a health risk."

With files from The Canadian Press