The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued warnings against two types of pre-packaged sandwiches as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This would be the second time in less than four months that the Edmonton based sandwich producer has been forced to recall its products.

The warning was issued against Hygaard-brand sandwiches made in Alberta and affects Hygaard brand mini pizza subs and Little John subs sold in 140 gram and 287 gram packages with an expiry date of Sept. 02, 2010. The agency said the sandwiches were manufactured by Sherwood Park, Alta.-based HQ Fine Foods EST 318 and were only distributed only in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The agency warned consumers against eating the sandwiches although there have been no reports of any illness related to them.

Symptoms of listeriosis caused by the listeria bacteria are vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, severe headache and persistent fever. Pregnant women, very young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

The earlier incident was in September and it involved 16 sandwiches including two that are in the present recall. In the September instance the company was commended for recalling its products before legally required, a move described as good business by an agency spokesperson. No one from the agency could be reached for comment today.

Last year a listeriosis outbreak linked to at least 20 deaths in Canada in 2008 was said to have originated from contaminated deli meats from a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto, leading to the meat being recalled. After an investigation the company said the cause could have been two slicers at the plant which had the bacteria.

The agency warned that food that is contaminated with the listeria bacteria may not look or smell spoilt.