'Contaminated' cheese recalled across Ontario

A contaminated batch of cheese has been recalled across Ontario and Quebec, with health officials warning not to consume the product.

Health Canada issued a recall on Friday for Yotvata brand Caciotta Peperoncino cheese distributed in Ontario and Quebec, warning of microbial contamination with Staphylococcus aureus.

The affected batch of cheese was sold in 250-gram packages with a best before date of 31-05-2027 and UPC code: 8 00395 0003017.

Yotvata

The government agency warns, "Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product."

According to Health Canada, Staphylococcus aureus is "an opportunistic pathogen that can cause a variety of self-limiting to life-threatening diseases in humans," and is "a leading cause of food poisoning, resulting from the consumption of food contaminated with enterotoxins."

Health Canada notes that "Staphylococcal food intoxication involves rapid onset of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea." 

Onset of symptoms after consuming contaminated food can range from anywhere between 30 minutes to 8 hours, and symptoms typically resolve after 24 hours.