A recent food safety alert has been issued for cheese lovers and retailers across Ontario. The Natural Pastures Cheese Company has announced a voluntary recall of its Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a serious foodborne pathogen known to cause listeriosis.
The recall was initiated following test results indicating the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product. While there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this cheese as of the latest update, the recall is a preventive measure to ensure public safety. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is actively conducting a food safety investigation and monitoring the effectiveness of the company’s recall efforts.
Listeria is a bacterium that can lead to a serious infection called listeriosis. It poses a higher risk for certain groups of people, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it can lead to complications such as meningitis or bloodstream infections. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as the infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature labor.
Consumers in possession of the affected Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese are urged not to consume the product. Instead, they should either dispose of it safely or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Retailers are also advised not to sell, serve, or distribute the product under any circumstances.
To verify whether the cheese in your home is affected, check for the batch number 854 263 and the best-before date marked as 2025.OC.02. If your package matches these details, it falls under the recall scope.
The CFIA continues to investigate and monitor the situation closely. If additional high-risk products are identified during the course of the investigation, further recall notices may be issued. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for food recall notifications through the CFIA website or checking their grocery store’s recall bulletin.