PC brand cheddar cheese recalled after testing finds Listeria

Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling PC brand Canadian Cheddar cheese from the marketplace because of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results.

According to the CFIA, the recalled product has been sold nationally in Canada.

Recalled product:

As of the posting of this recall, there have been no illnesses associated with the consumption of this product, but it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop.

Consumers should not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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