One of six people hospitalized after eating processed meat contaminated with listeria has died.
The six cases have been linked to food sold at Foody World in Richmond, said Claudia Kurzac, manager of health protection with Vancouver Coastal Health.
Foody World was closed Friday by VCH and remains shuttered, she said. The death occurred earlier this month.
“In our investigation of the store, we did an inspection and had concerns about food handling and sanitation,” Kurzac said.
“We collected samples of food and environmental samples from the kitchen on the (Oct.) 7th, and on the 14th we heard from the lab. Preliminary results were that some (samples) were positive for Listeria.”
Listeria was found in processed, ready-to-eat pork and beef.
Kurzac said the person who died had “underlying health issues.” As a result, Kurzac said the person’s death could not be directly linked to Listeria. She had no further details to release about the person who died or any of the other five patients.
Foody World is at 3000 Sexsmith Rd. in Richmond. It is located between Bridgeport Road and Sea Island Way.
Vancouver Coastal Health says on its website that Listeria is a bacterium that can be found in uncooked meats, fruits and vegetables. Processed foods such as soft cheeses, deli meats and hotdogs can become contaminated after processing. Unpasteurized milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk can also contain Listeria.
Listeriosis is the name of the food-borne illness caused by Listeria. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting and headaches.
“(Listeriosis) can be a mild illness in healthy individuals but can be very serious for people at higher risk such as pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems and seniors,” Vancouver Coastal Health says on its website.
“In pregnant women it can be serious for the unborn child, causing premature birth, stillbirth or infection in the newborn.”
Kurzac said VCH is working with store management to review all store-handling and sanitation practices.
When the six people became so sick they went to hospital for treatment, blood samples showed the presence of the Listeria bacterium. Since Listeria is a reportable disease, VCH investigated the six people’s food history. VCH focused on where they shopped and what they ate, which led to Foody World.
