Agropur Cooperative is recalling Agropur Import Collection brand Firm Ripened Comte Cheese in Canada because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) posted the notice of this recall on their website.
The recalled products was manufactured and packaged in France. It was sold nationwide. It is Agropur Import Collection Firm Ripened Comte Cheese in 200 gram packages. All best before dates up to and including 18 FE 09 are recalled. The UPC number on the product is 0 67400 00397 0.
Check to see if you have this recalled product in your home. If you do, throw it away in a sealed package so animals and other people can’t eat it. You can also take it back to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling this product.
The recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results. Government officials are conducting a food safety investigation and may recall other products. And the CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled product from store shelves.
If you bought this product, clean your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill any remaining Listeria bacteria. This bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures. And if you freeze the cheese, that won’t help, since the bacteria is not killed at freezing temperatures.
If you ate this product, you should watch yourself for the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning for the next 70 days, because that’s how long it can take for symptoms to appear. If you do get sick with high fever, stiff neck, a headache, and diarrhea, see your doctor. Pregnant women may only have an illness similar to the flu, but listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature labor.
