Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating a case of Listeria infection in a person who consumed food sold at the Druxy’s restaurant located in Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at 610 University Ave. Any individuals who ate non-prepackaged food such as hot and cold deli sandwiches at this restaurant from August 9 to September 26, 2018 are asked to watch for signs and symptoms of Listeria infection and seek medical attention if they have symptoms.

Listeria bacteria
Listeria monocytogenes/CDC

Toronto: Listeria cases linked to Druxy’s deli sandwiches

Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and cramps. Severe symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, and can develop suddenly in those with a weak immune system because of a medical treatment or a medical illness, and the elderly. Symptoms usually occur within three weeks of eating foods contaminated with Listeria. There is no vaccine to prevent the Listeria infection, however it is treated with antibiotics. Healthy people may only experience mild symptoms and usually recover completely. Individuals without symptoms do not need to be tested or treated.

The Listeria infection is a serious but rare illness caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Common foods contaminated with this bacteria include deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products. People most at risk of developing serious illness are those with weakened immune systems, the elderly and pregnant women.

TPH continues to investigate the matter. As part of this process, TPH staff have completed an extensive risk assessment, collected samples of the surfaces and food for testing, and ordered a thorough cleaning of the restaurant and the restaurant equipment. An alert has been issued to Toronto hospitals, long-term care facilities and doctors’ offices to ensure they are aware of the matter. The restaurant is currently closed and the owner is cooperating with TPH to ensure there is no further risk to the public.

Toronto receives an average of 17 reports of Listeria infection each year.