Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety yesterday advised people not to eat a batch of "Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox" that might have been contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

"The alert followed the detection of listeria monocytogenes in samples of the above smoked salmon product by relevant authorities in the United States. The company concerned, Salmolux Inc, is recalling the products," a CFS spokesman said. The affected product "Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Nova Lox" comes in a 3-ounce blue package with the lot number 01418 printed on it.

Symptoms after exposure to listeria monocytogenes may include fever, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. Healthy individuals rarely develop symptoms.

The effect on pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and people with lowered immunity, however, could be severe including miscarriage and meningitis.

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2008)