Maple Leaf Foods: Timely Responses During a Food-related Crisis

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Abstract

Through a conceptual framework of best practices, the present study uses a case study approach to consider how Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s largest meatpacking plants, accelerated communication coming from the company spokesperson during a Canadian Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in 2008. Using media reports, the current study analyzes descriptions of how the listeriosis outbreak and Maple Leaf’s food-related crisis were portrayed on the company’s website and in the media coverage.

Authors

• Kimberly Beauchamp, North Dakota State University

• Robert Littlefield, North Dakota State University