A cheesemaker in Ontario is recalling cheese that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

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Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co. of Picton, Ontario is voluntarily recalling its Rose Haus Cave Aged Washed Rind Cheese and with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume it.

The Rose Haus Cave Aged Washed Rind Cheese is sold in 200 g packages bearing Lot Code 400411. All Best Before dates are affected by this alert. It was distributed in Ontario.

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 food borne 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 monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

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

— Petra Kasun Mutch, 613-476-5755, Petrac@fifthtown.ca

— CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday).