Thousands of prisoners in Ontario and the jail staff might have consumed Listeria-contaminated meals between November 13-16.

The operator of Eurest Dining Services, which produces and supplies food to Ontario correctional facilities, informed the Halton Regional Health Department that samples taken during routine surveillance at its food-production facility had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

The food items that tested positive may have been consumed between Nov. 13 and Nov. 16 at seven Ontario facilities:

• Maplehurst and the Vanier Centre for Women in Milton.
• Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene.
• Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay.
• Ottawa-Carleton Correctional Centre.
• St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre and the Brockville Jail in Brockville.

So far, there have been no reported cases of listeriosis among prisoners. Nor has there been any estimate on the monetary losses due to the contaminated food.

The Halton Region Health Department has ordered Eurest Dining Services to cease production and distribution of food for the Haltom Region Health Department. The company has also been asked immediately prepare and implement a plan to sanitize the plant and equipment.