Potential poisoning outbreak connected to Richmond grocery store

Electron micrograph of a Listeria bacterium in tissue (CDC/ Dr. Balasubr Swaminathan; Peggy Hayes)

RICHMOND, B.C. - A public safety warning has been issued about a potential food poisoning outbreak connected with products from a Richmond, B.C., grocery store.

Vancouver Coastal Health says customers should not consume any produce or ready-to-eat foods made at Foody World.

The health authority says at least six people have been hospitalized with signs of infection due to Listeria.

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and muscle aches, and in people with weakened immune systems can lead to more serious illnesses such as meningitis or blood infections.

Customers are urged to throw out any food that may have been contaminated including ready-to-eat meat products, sushi, produce and baked goods purchased from the store since July.

Health inspectors have closed the store and kitchen and say the store will be reopened once all health and safety standards are met.