Ottawa – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Jan K Overweel Ltd. are warning the public not to consume the Ballarini brand Gorgonzola cheese products described below because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Also affected by this alert are the below products which may have been sold in smaller packages, cut and wrapped by some retailers. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer to determine if they have the affected products.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.
The importer, Jan K Overweel Ltd., Woodbridge, ON, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
Affected products
| Brand Name | Common Name | Size | Codes(s) on Product | UPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballarini | Gorgonzola D.O.P. Cremaverde | 4 x 1.5 kg (Random weight) |
Code: ZAN03012, Best Before: 2013/10/17 Best Before: 2013/11/16 |
Starts with 2724118 |
| Ballarini | Gorgonzola Dolce DOP | 150 g |
Code: BAL10200, Best Before: 2013/09/04 Best Before: 2013/10/08 |
8021398301540 |
More information
For more information, consumers and industry can contact:
Jan K Overweel Ltd. at 905-850-9010; or CFIA by filling out the online feedback form.
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.
For more information on foodborne pathogens, visit the Causes of Food Poisoning web page.
Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency