OTTAWA, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Canadian health officials said Monday that there are now 12 confirmed deaths from the listeriosis outbreak that has been linked to tainted meat products.

    The latest death occurred in Ontario, bringing to 10 the number of confirmed deaths from the province. In addition, there is also one from Alberta and one from British Columbia, the Canadian Press reported quoting unnamed officials.

    Figures from the Public Health Agency of Canada show another seven deaths are suspected and under investigation.

    The number of confirmed listeriosis cases has climbed to 38 from 33.

    Health officials have linked the outbreak to processed meat products from a Toronto plant of Maple Leaf Foods, Canada's biggest food company.

    Maple Leaf issued a recall of virtually all the products produced at the plant, which has in turn triggered dozens of recalls of ready to eat sandwiches made from the Maple Leaf products.