The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has added a warning to consumers about cheese recalled last month in Canada that may still be in circulation in the United States.
The cheese, linked to one case of listeriosis in Canada, was supplied by Fromagerie Marie Kade of Quebec. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a Nov. 24 health alert notifying residents of Canada of a recall initiated by the dairy plant, 3903052 Canada Inc., Boisbriand, in Québec.
This large recall followed two previous alerts and fairly extensive product testing, according to Canadian authorities.
After a Glendale, CA, distributor issued a Dec. 26 recall of the cheese distributed in Southern California, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Massachusetts officials on Dec. 28 that the product was distributed to Cedar Market in Norwood and that Cedar Market sold the recalled cheese to Bahnan’s in Worcester.
No illnesses have been reported in Massachusetts. The MDPH said it has worked with the FDA and local officials to embargo and destroy the possibly contaminated cheese and to review inventory records for distribution.
The recalled products distributed in Massachusetts have the brand name “Fromagerie Marie Kade.” and bear the establishment number 1874. Any best-before dates up to and including those listed, are affected by the alert:
– Akawi Cheese best before 08 MAR 2012
– Baladi Cheese best before 08 FEB 2012.
– Shinglish Cheese best before 07 NOV 2012
– Tresse Cheese best before 10 NOV 2012
– Vachekaval Cheese best before 10 MAR 2012
– Halloom best before 01 MAY 2012
– Moujadale best before 04 MAY 2012
Go here to see all the labels for the recalled cheese.
Because the recalled products have not expired, it is possible that consumers may have products in their home. For that reason, MDPH is advising consumers who have purchased products listed to discard them.
Consumers with questions may call MDPH Food Protection Program at 617-983-6712.