RECALL: Over 30 cheese products recalled in Canada

A sweeping food recall has been issued across Canada for dozens of cheese products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The recall spans a wide range of cheese varieties sold under multiple brand names, sizes and formats. The affected products include both pre-packaged items and cheeses that may have been sold at deli counters or repackaged in-store, making identification more difficult for consumers.

Based on the CFIA’s published list of affected items, more than 30 individual cheese products are included in the recall.

The agency says the recall was triggered after testing identified potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported so far, but officials warn that the risk remains serious.

Listeria can cause listeriosis, a potentially severe infection. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea and headaches. In more serious cases, the illness can lead to complications, particularly for pregnant individuals, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Consumers are being advised not to use, sell, serve or distribute any of the recalled cheese products. Anyone who may have purchased the affected items should throw them out or return them to the place of purchase.

Health officials also recommend thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the products, as the bacteria can survive in refrigerated conditions and spread easily.

The CFIA notes that contaminated food may not look or smell spoiled but can still pose a health risk. Symptoms of listeriosis can also take days or even weeks to appear after exposure.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials say efforts are underway to ensure all affected products are removed from the marketplace. Canadians are urged to check their refrigerators carefully and avoid consuming any potentially impacted cheese. Here is the full list of affected cheese brands.