Canadians should check their fridges to see if they have cheese that is part of a national recall on a brand of cheddar.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall on Wednesday (Feb. 15) of PC brand Canadian Cheddar Cheese due to possible listeria contamination.
The Loblaw Companies Limited product was sold in 250-gram packages and had a "best before" date of Aug. 24, 2023; it also had a UPC code of 060383837464.
While there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of the recalled cheese, the CFIA is conducting an investigation that could lead to the recall of additional products.
While food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled, the CFIA notes that it can still make you sick. Symptoms from listeria contamination can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness.
People who are particularly at risk include pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
In severe cases of illness, people may die.
What you should do
- If you think you got sick from eating some of the recalled products, contact your doctor.
- Check to see if you have any of the recalled products in your home.
- Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled products.
- Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.
