The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Silani Sweet Cheese Ltd. are warning the public not to consume Silani brand Mozzarella Cheese because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Silani brand Mozzarella Cheese Product, is sold in 340 g packages bearing UPC 0 650525 7 and a Best Before date of 2011 MR 01.

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 these 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, Silani Sweet Cheese Ltd., Schomberg, ON, issued the recall on April 1. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

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

Silani Sweet Cheese Ltd. at 1-877-855-1987; or, 

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735.