Organic cheeses recalled across Canada over listeria risk

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recalled a dozen organic cheese products sold across Canada over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The recall, issued Wednesday, covers products sold under the Farm Boy, L’Ancêtre and Life Smart brands.

The agency said the national recall was triggered by its own testing and that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the products.

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"Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause illness," the CFIA said in its recall notice.

The recall is classified as a Class 1 food recall warning, the agency said.

Fromagerie L’Ancêtre Inc. is the recalling company.

The recalled items include Farm Boy organic Swiss, medium cheddar, old cheddar, extra sharp and three-year-old cheddar cheeses, all with a best before date of July 30, 2027.

Also recalled is Life Smart organic part skim mozzarella cheese with a best before date of March 30, 2027.

Several shredded organic cheeses made by L’Ancêtre are included, with best before dates ranging from December 2026 to July 2027, as is L'Ancêtre's organic Swiss cheese with a best before date of July 30, 2027.

The products were sold in stores across the country in packages ranging from 190 grams to two kilograms.

The CFIA advises consumers not to eat, use, serve, sell or distribute the recalled cheeses.

Anyone who has purchased an affected product should throw it away or return it to the location where it was purchased.

Symptoms of listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness.

Pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.

"In pregnant women, infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or stillbirth," the recall notice states.

The notice adds that "severe infections can be fatal."

"If someone thinks they have become sick from consuming these or any recalled products, the CFIA says they should contact their healthcare provider," the agency said.

The CFIA said it is continuing its food safety investigation, which could lead to additional products being recalled.

The agency is also verifying that the recalled products are being removed from the marketplace.

A full list of the recalled products and their identifying codes can be found on the CFIA website.

With files from Global News, CBC News and Montreal Gazette