Vancouver Island-made cheese recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a food recall for a specific cheese made by Courtenay-based Natural Pastures Cheese Company. 

According to CFIA, their Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese was recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food that has been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make people sick. 

CFIA says that symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. 

Additionally, pregnant women, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at-risk. 

Pregnant women can be impacted quite seriously, and infection could affect their child adversely, as exposure to Listeria monocytogenes can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. 

CFIA added that in severe cases of illness, people may die.

For those who have recently had Natural Pastures’ Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese, and think they may be getting sick, CFIA recommends contacting a healthcare provider immediately. 

Restaurants and retailers are being urged to pull the affected product from shelves and not serve, use, sell or distribute the cheese. 

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.