Feared to be tainted with Listeria monocytogenes, Ivanhoe, Great Canadian and Iqbal brand cheeses have been recalled. These cheese products are sold at grocery stores and deli counters across Ontario.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the affected products carry the "best before" dates of February 20 to March 1, 2009 and were sold between August 20 and September 3.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with these products and the CFIA hasn't linked this latest recall to the fatal listeriosis outbreak caused by contaminated meat from a Maple Leaf plant in Toronto.
The recall affects the following varieties of cheese: cheddar, marble, asiago, havarti, gouda, parmesan, swiss, feta, colby and mozarella.
For a complete list of brand name cheeses that have been recalled as a precaution to protect consumers from Listeriosis, please see the Updated Health Hazard Alert on the CFIA website.
Individuals at high risk for Listeriosis include the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
Symptoms of listeriosis include vomiting, nausea, cramps, diarhhea, severe headaches or muscle aches, and fever.
To prevent listerosis, avoid eating soft cheese - such as Feta, Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses - unless the label says it's made with pasteurized milk.
Click here for more food safety tips that can protect you from listeriosis and other food-borne illnessesb.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.