A wide range of cheese products and prepared foods sold at grocery stores across Vancouver Island are being recalled due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall, issued April 8th and overseen by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, affects several cheese brands and ready-to-eat items distributed across BC and the rest of Canada.
Brands listed in the recall include Paradise Island Cheese, Goldstream, Goldstream EZ Melt, Bothwell, Only Goodness, Western Family, and Reliance.
The products were sold at Sobeys-owned grocery banners in Western Canada, including Thrifty Foods, Safeway, IGA and Sobeys, meaning they were widely available in Greater Victoria and across Vancouver Island.
In addition to packaged cheese, the recall includes a number of store-made and prepared items containing cheese, such as:
- Carbonara pasta and pasta salads
- Garlic and spinach pasta salad
- Parmesan and spinach feta cauliflower cakes
- Chicken and black bean wraps (sold at Thrifty Foods in BC)
- Stuffed mushrooms and seafood items, including salmon and sole dishes
Many of these items carry “best before” dates up to early April 2026.
According to the CFIA, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the recall so far. However, the agency says the recall has been classified as a Class 1, meaning there is a high risk of serious health consequences if the contaminated food is consumed.
“Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” the agency said.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness.
Pregnant individuals, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. In severe cases, the infection can be life-threatening.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is urging Canadians not to consume, serve, use, or sell any of the recalled products and to either throw them out or return them to the store where they were purchased.
Anyone who believes they may have become sick after consuming one of the affected items is advised to contact a healthcare provider.
Consumers who are unsure whether they purchased an affected item are advised to check with their retailer.
The recall was initiated by Sobeys Capital Incorporated, and the CFIA says it is working to ensure all affected products are removed from store shelves.
The agency has published a full list of recalled items as the investigation continues.
