ATTN: Maple Syrup Lovers (in Ontario)

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Health Hazard Alert - George Laming/Jersey Oakes Farm Maple Syrup May Be Contaminated With Lead

OTTAWA, May 22, 2003 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and George Laming are warning the public not to consume George Laming/Jersey Oakes Farm Maple Syrup as it may be contaminated with lead.

The affected maple syrup is packaged in various types and sizes of containers including 500 mL, 1 L, 2 L and 4 L bearing one of the following identification stickers:

George Laming Farm
RR1 Delta, Ont

OR

Jersey Oakes
RR#1 Delta Ont

The above identification stickers also include a phone number and may include an e-mail address.

The manufacturer is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. This maple syrup is known to have been sold locally from the George Laming / Jersey Oakes Farm retail outlet located in Delta, Ontario, during the months of April and May 2003.

The affected product was found to contain high levels of lead. Continued exposure to high levels of lead can cause damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and blood. Children are particularly at risk.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

George Laming
(613) 928-2994

The CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm local time - Monday to Friday.

For information on receiving recalls by electronic mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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Media enquiries:

George Laming
(613) 928-2994

Shashi Kulkarni (English)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Office of Food Safety and Recall
(613) 368-1622

Brian Radey (French)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Office of Food Safety and Recall
(613) 755-3324