HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

SANTA MARIA QUEIJO DE CABRA (FRESH GOAT CHEESE) MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

OTTAWA, August 1, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Portuguese Cheese Co. are warning the public not to consume Santa Maria brand Queijo de Cabra (fresh goat cheese) because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product is sold in 350 g packages bearing a Best Before Date of 08AU02, lot no. 628 and UPC 0 68168 00073 7.

This product has been distributed in Ontario and Quebec.

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 manufacturer, Portuguese Cheese Co., Toronto, ON, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:

The Portuguese Cheese Co. Inc. at 416-259-4349 (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday. CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Listeria monocytogenes, visit the Food Facts web page at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml.

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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