Cheese Recalled In Canada Over Listeria Contamination
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Natural Pastures Cheese Company Ltd., based in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall for Natural Pastures Cheese Company-brand Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese due to Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
How the presence of Listeria contamination in the affected products has not been published.
Distribution
According to the recall notice, the products were distributed to a retail audience in the Canadian province of Ontario only.
Product Details
Consumer Action
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected product even if it looks or smells safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled product is requested to not sell, serve, donate, or distribute them.
Consumers should contact the place of purchase to see if the impacted products can be returned for a refund or they should be disposed of immediately.
Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface or utensils that have come into contact with the recalled products.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the CFIA toll-free by phone in Canada and the United States at 800-442-2342 or by email at [email protected].
Health Risks
The recall notice did not say if there have been any reported illnesses in connection with the consumption of the recalled products.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
National Listeria law firm Ron Simon & Associates says that anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis should contact a medical provider immediately.
