The CFIA has announced a public warning against certain cheeses under the Deschamps and Fromagerie Marie Kadé brands. The cheese products are believed to be contaminated by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

The public warning was made with the cooperation of the manufacturer, 3903052 Canada Inc. The affected cheese products have the establishment #1874 and are sold in different sizes approximately 300 grams in net weight.

Affected products that were sold under the Deschamps brand have the following specific information: Queso Parilla, no UPC code, lot number 375238 and “best before” date of March 20, 2012.

Affected products that were sold under the Fromagerie Marie Kadé brand have the following specific information: Halloom, UPC code 778546030002, lot number 375238 and “best before” date of March 20, 2012.

The affected cheese products have been distributed to different retail stores in the area of Ontario and Quebec.

Food that has been contaminated by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes do not exhibit any signs of being spoiled. However, consumption of these contaminated foods can create serious health risks. Common symptoms of infection include high fever, stiffness of the neck, severe headache and nausea. Listeria is most harmful to pregnant women as this bacterium can cause miscarriages or stillbirths. In children, the elderly or in people with weakened immune systems, Listeria can also cause more serious conditions, which could even lead to death.

3903052 Canada Inc. has already announced a voluntary product recall for the affected cheese products. The CFIA is currently monitoring the recall’s effectiveness. Consumers who have concerns about the affected product or the recall can contact CFIA’s hotline at 1-800-442-2342.