Wide variety of products containing cheese recalled in Canada
A variety of products containing cheese are being recalled in Canada due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The products are unbranded, but are all available in Sobey banner stores. These stores are:
- Atlantic: Coop, Foodland, Sobeys
- Ontario: Foodland, IGA, Safeway, Sobeys
- Western Canada: IGA, Safeway, Sobeys, Thrifty Foods
The recalled products were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
The following products are affected by the recall:
About Listeria Infections
Foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell, or taste altered, but can still cause serious or even fatal infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and inform their doctor of possible Listeria exposure.
Additionally, anyone who has consumed any of the recalled products should self-monitor for symptoms over the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle pain, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications, and death. Even if infected pregnant women experience only mild flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
