A public warning issued in Canada Nov. 16 about ham and cheese sandwiches has been expanded to include additional products made with processed cheese slices, and the suspect cheese has been recalled as well.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Atlantic Prepared Food Limited (APFL) are warning the public not to consume various sandwiches, subs, wraps, burgers, breakfast muffins and bagels bearing Canada legend 14 because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The products were distributed on Prince Edward Island and in Nova Scotia and possibly other Atlantic provinces under Sub Delicious, Circle K, Country Morning and Prepared by APFL brands.
The expanded recall was initiated Nov. 26 because these sandwiches contain processed cheese slices recalled by Saputo Inc., Montreal, Quebec. The investigation is ongoing.
Saputo’s recall involves Faith Farms brand Ribbon Slices Process Cheese Food (2kg; UPC 0 65949 04004 3; Best before 2011/MA/05 REG: 1900; Lot codes 1681, 1682, 1683, 1684 and 1685), because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled processed cheese was sold through cash and carry and deli stores, and may also have been sold to food service institutions, restaurants, hospitals, day care centers and nursing homes in Québec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Some of the cheese was sold in variable weights and may no longer carry its original identifying label or lot code information. Check with the place of purchase if you have purchased unlabeled processed cheese slices.
No illnesses have been associated with the recalled products.
CFIA reminds consumers that food contaminated with Listeria may not look or smell bad or spoiled in any way.
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.
For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).