COSTCO outlets across Canada are taking a pro-active approach to the nation-wide recall of Maple Leaf ready-to-eat meat products.

COSTCO has been contacting members who have purchased the recalled meat products.

Consumers are being asked to take the products back to the store for a full refund.

Kelowna COSTCO Warehouse Manager, Mike Gazso, says whenever member's health or safety is jeopardized, they always attempt to get in touch with them personally.

He says COSTCO has pulled all Maple Leafs products, not only those from the affected plant in Toronto.

One Kelowna COSTCO customer says she was glad the company took the time to inform her of the recall.

There are a total of 26 confirmed cases of listeriosis linked to Maple Leaf products. Twelve people have died from the disease, 11 in Ontario and one in B.C.

Symptoms of the illness include severe headaches, nausea, high fever and neck stiffness.

While the average incubation period is 30 days, health officials say symptoms could occur up to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.