Fromagerie Blackburn in Quebec, Canada: Recall on Le Napoléon- Firm Cheese
In collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Fromagerie Blackburn is recalling their Fromagerie Blackburn brand Le Napoléon Firm Cheese due to concerns for Listeria contamination. The recall was placed on March 26, 2020, after the company found Listeria monocytogenes in the firm cheese collection. The affected units are Fromagerie Blackburn Le Napoléon Firm Cheese in sizes 130g, UPC code 6 28504 56410 3, and “Best Before” date 10JL20 19087 and Fromagerie Blackburn Le Napoléon Firm Cheese in variable sizes, with UPC code starting with 0 200015 with all product sold before and on March 26, 2020. If you believe that you have consumed the contaminated cheese, contact your physician and retailer immediately. If you have purchased the product, dispose of it immediately and clean all surfaces thoroughly that have come in contact with the product.
Listeriosis is caused by the consumption of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and results in typical symptoms of food poisoning in those with strong immune systems: fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. In people with weakened immune systems, such as pregnant women, the elderly, children, and persons with weak immune systems, Listeriosis can be fatal. According to the CDC, pregnant women tend to experience flu like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, however, Listeriosis can be fatal for the fetus, resulting in miscarriage or fatal infection. Symptoms of Listeriosis in those with weakened immune systems that are not pregnant include loss of balance, convulsions, headache, stiff joints, and confusion, in addition to flu-like symptoms. In extreme cases, Listeriosis can result in blood or brain infections if not treated. Listeriosis symptoms typically present one to four weeks after consumption, though some cases have had symptoms begin as early one one day and as late as 70 days after ingestion. If you believe that you have ingested Listeria and are suffering from symptoms of Listeriosis, seek treatment immediately.