Advisory details
Ottawa, May 19, 2011 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and The Tree of Life Canada are warning the public not to consume the King James brand Blue Stilton Cheese, product of England, described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The affected product, King James brand Blue Stilton Cheese, was sold to retailers in 2 kg bulk round packages bearing Lot/Batch numbers between 019 and 034 inclusive. However, this cheese may have been cut and sold at retail/deli counters in random weight packages starting April 14, 2011 up to and including May 19, 2011. The brand name and lot code information of the original bulk cheese may not appear on the individual cut pieces of the cheese. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer to determine if they have the affected cheese.
This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland. However, it may have been distributed nationally.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
The importer, Tree of Life Canada, Surrey, BC is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
