Ottawa – Portuguese Cheese Co. Ltd. is recalling St. Jorge and Queijo São Jorge raw milk cheese from the marketplace because they may contain the toxin produced by Staphylococcus bacteria. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
The following products, imported from Portugal, have been sold in Ontario.
The Queijo São Jorge raw milk cheese may have been sold in smaller packages, cut and wrapped by some retailers. Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased affected products should check with their retailer.
Recalled products
| Brand Name | Common Name | Size | Code(s) on Product | UPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Jorge | Raw Milk Cheese | Variable | Lot #914 | Variable |
| Queijo São Jorge | Raw Milk Cheese | Approximately 9-10 kg | AEE0215 (appears on case only) | None |
What you should do
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
Food contaminated with Staphylococcus toxin may not look or smell spoiled. The toxin produced by Staphylococcus bacteria is not easily destroyed at normal cooking temperatures. Common symptoms of Staphylococcus poisoning are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and fever. In severe cases of illness, headache, muscle cramping and changes in blood pressure and pulse rate may occur.
Background
This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.
The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace.
Illnesses
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.
More information
For more information, consumers and industry can contact the CFIA by filling out the online feedback form.
Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
