HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

CERTAIN PRIMERIDGE PURE BRAND PURE CHEESE CURDS MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

OTTAWA, July 24, 2011 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Primeridge Pure are warning the public not to consume the Primeridge Pure brand Pure Cheese Curds described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Primeridge Pure brand Pure Cheese Curds, bearing “Packed on 08.07.11” was sold in packages of various weights around 0.25 kg at Owen Sound Farmers’ Market on July 9, 2011.

The affected product was also sold in random weight packages at Leslieville Cheesemarket in Flesherton, Ontario starting July 9, 2011; however, the brand name and lot code information of the original bulk cheese may not appear on the individual packages of cheese curds sold at this location. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer to determine if they have the affected cheese.

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 this 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, Primeridge Pure, Markdale, ON is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Food Recall Alerts - High-risk

(http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/recaltoce.shtml)