An emergency recall of white cheddar, old shredded cheddar, mild cheese, old shredded cheese, and mozzarella cheese blend by Bothwell Cheese Inc. company has been put into action following confirmation of risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall applies to the listed products that were manufactured on or before December 19, 2015.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a warning that these contaminated products do not look nor smell different from non-contaminated ones. So much so that extra caution is must be exercised in buying cheese products. The CFIA provides the product descriptions and lot numbers in their site.
While the affected products are mainly sold in Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan outlets, caution would be a wise defense when coming into contact with these Bothwell products - which are made in New Bothewell, Manitoba - even outside of the named areas.
Consumers who have purchased the cheese products fitting CFIA's released specifications must dispose of their purchase immediately and - more importantly - responsibly. Distributors and detailers are advised to do the same. Special attention is requested by the agency from such establishments as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and even nursing homes as the risk is especially great for pregnant women, the elderly and those individuals who have weakened immune systems.
The CFIA was conducting food safety investigation on Bothwell Cheese Inc.'s products when the said merchandise tested positive for contamination. The agency requests the public to continue visiting their Food Recall Warnings for updates on other items that may also have the same contamination risks.
Here are the main symptoms that can be used as guide to determine possible Listeria monocytogenes infection:
#1 Vomiting
#2 Nausea
#3 Sudden onset of fever
#4 Muscular pains and aches
#5 Unexplained headaches
#6 Neck stiffness
In case of accidental ingestion of these contaminated products, individuals should seek medical help immediately.
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