The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume St-F licien soft surface ripened cheese from France, because the product may contain the bacteria responsible for Listeriosis in humans. The cheese is marked with a best before date of January 6, 1999. Listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
Listeriosis can cause mothers in the first three months of pregnancy to miscarry.
Les Fromages Pierre-Yves Chaput Inc., of Montr al,Qu bec is voluntarily recalling the affected cheese from the marketplace. Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria will not look or smell spoiled. Consumers can dispose of the product or return it to the point of purchase for a refund. There are no reported illnesses from this product to date.