Cheese Recall Expanded for Possible Toxic Bacteria

A previous recall on a popular brand of cheese has been expanded after further investigation.

Earlier in the week, Saputo Inc. recalled certain Papillon brand Roquefort cheese products across Canada because they may have contained the toxin produced by Staphylococcus bacteria. Now, however, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is recalling Papillon brand Roquefort Cheese in all sizes and with all codes up to and including Best Before: 2015.09.15.

Photo Credit: CFIA Handout

Consumers should not consume the recalled cheese, and if they are unsure if they’ve purchased affected product, they should check with their retailer. Recalled products should be thrown in the garbage or returned to the store.

Foods with Staphylococcus toxin may not look or smell spoiled, and the toxin produced by this bacteria isn’t easily destroyed at normal cooking temperatures. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and fever are common symptoms of Staphylococcus poisoning. In severe cases, consumers might have headache, muscle cramping, or changes in blood pressure and pulse rate.

Photo Credit: CFIA Handout

So far, there haven’t been any reported illnesses associated with the consumption of Papillon brand Roquefort cheese.