Local agencies feeding people in need are shining a light on their stock in the wake of a nationwide meat scare.

Meat donated to a downtown soup kitchen and men’s shelter operated by Lighthouse Christian Ministries was given a thorough going-over following news of a recall issued by Maple Leaf Foods, said executive manager Tim Tanton.

“We had to go through everything because the food is donated,” Tanton said yesterday. “Luckily, we didn’t have anything that said ‘Maple Leaf’ on it, which is an extremely good thing. Right now, we won’t accept anything that is from Maple Leaf.”

Maple Leaf Foods has voluntarily recalled more than 200 products originating from its Toronto plant after federal officials confirmed the listeria bacterium found in two samples of recalled meat matched a strain of listeria that has infected more than 20 Canadians.

The bacteria strain is linked to the deaths of six people.

Company officials said an initial recall of products was expanded as a precautionary measure, and that there is no evidence of listeria contamination beyond the product lines initially under investigation.

Tubes of lean ground beef, canned ham and steakettes are among the meat products given away to families and individuals served by the Salvation Army’s local food bank.

“When I heard about (the recall), I started thinking in my mind where our products come from, but we have nothing from Maple Leaf at all,” said Capt. Wayne McTaggart.

The Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors is working with the federal government to ensure prompt removal of the recalled products from the shelves of its member stores, according to a spokesperson.

“Certainly, we have taken immediate action to remove the products from sale,” said Jackie Crichton, director, food safety and environmental affairs.

Zehrs Markets and No Frills are among the food retailers represented by the non-profit association.

“As soon as we receive that notice, it is actioned immediately,” Crichton added. “There have been other recalls over the years that have been expanded to a variety of products. It all hinges on (the federal government’s) investigation.”

The executive director of Orillia’s Sharing Place Food Bank said he has heard nothing to suggest the recall would apply to the 400 pounds of frozen pork his organization is set to receive as a gift.

“This is strictly ground pork, not processed meat,” Don Evans said on Monday.

The Ontario Association of Food Banks is responsible for distributing the free meat.

“I have not heard anything from them indicating that there is a cause for concern,” Evans added.

“They are very attuned to making sure food banks are not dispensing any food that might be in any way worrisome or concerning. If we hear from them, of course we will act accordingly.”

Dr. Colin Lee, the associate medical officer of health with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, said they still don’t know the extent of the meat recall.

“There is a time delay for people infected,” he added. “It usually takes three weeks until people show symptoms, but it can be up to 70 days. If you ate it today, you won’t know you have it for three weeks.”

People are being warned not to serve or consume meat products that came from Maple Leaf plant 97B. All products from this factory will have the number 97B on the package, usually near the best-before or packaged-on date.

The products can be returned to the point of purchase for a refund.

“The hard part is that food contaminated with listeria can look, smell and taste normal,” Lee said.

“When in doubt, throw it out.”

 Listeria can be found naturally in the environment in soil, sewage and feces. It can be found in unpasteurized dairy products, uncooked vegetables and meats. The food can also be contaminated after processing. The bacteria can be killed through proper cooking.

Listeriosis symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, severe headache, constipation or persistent fever.

Lee said Simcoe Muskoka has had nine cases of listeriosis in the past 10 years. There has been one reported case in 2008, which is still under investigation.

Fred’s Meat Market, a local, independently owned business does not source any of its products from Maple Leaf Foods, said owner Craig Dormer.

All meat is cut on site, he added.

“We don’t do any pre-sliced product,” Dormer told Orillia Today.

A small number of customers have raised the issue since word of the Maple Leaf recall emerged over the weekend, he said.

“The odd person asks, but not many,” Dormer added. “Most people know I don’t deal in precut product.”

A list of the recalled products is available at the link provided.

With files from Torstar.