Health Hazard Alert                 For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                 September 4, 2008

VARIOUS CHEESE  PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY IVANHO CHEESE INC.  MAY CONTAIN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Public Health, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Ivanhoe Cheese Inc. are warning the public not to consume various cheese products described below because these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 

The following cheese products bearing Best Before dates from 09 FE 20 to 09 MR 01 (February 20 to March 1, 2009) inclusive are affected by this alert.

These products were sold from August 20, 2008 up to and including September 3, 2008.

Brand Names: Ivanhoe; Great Canadian; Iqbal

Products: Cheddar; Marble (Brick and Cheddar); Asiago; Gouda; Swiss; Parmesan; Mozzarella; Havarti; Colby; Brick; Feta Package Sizes: various

The CFIA will be updating a comprehensive list of all affected products as it becomes available.

These products have been distributed in Ontario to retail stores and may also be sold at deli counters. If the original product identity and Best Before code is not evident, consumers are advised to check with their retailer to determine if the product is included in the list of recalled products.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

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, Ivanhoe Cheese Inc., Madoc, ON, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call Ivanhoe Consumer Hotline at 613-827-5096

For more information:

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456