HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

CROPWELL BISHOP CREAMERY FINEST BLUE STILTON CHEESE MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Related alerts: 2008-12-10 | 2008-12-20

OTTAWA, December 10, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

All sizes of the Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese, product from England, bearing Best Before date 08/DE/12 are affected by this alert.

This product has been sold nationally through Costco Wholesale stores.

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 CFIA is working with the importer to have the affected product removed from the marketplace.

For more information consumers and industry can call the 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/concern/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.

-30-

Media Inquiries: