The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm are warning the public not to consume certain raw milk cheeses because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Some news outlets are reporting that one person has died and 10 others are sick in British Columbia and Canada after eating the cheese.
You can see the long list of recalled products at the CFIA web site, along with pictures of the cheeses and labels. The recalled cheeses include Gouda; Quaso de Prato, in various flavors, including Greek Blend; smoked Gouda; Maasdammer; Beaufort; Parmesan; and Mazouda. The products were sold at the manufacturer’s outlet, at retail stores in Alberta and British Columbia, and through internet sales from May 27 to September 14, 2013, inclusive. Lot codes 122 to 138 are affected by this recall.
Some packages may not have a lot code or indicate that the cheese was made with raw milk. The products were sold “clerk-served” from deli counters without labels or coding. If you are not sure whether or not you purchased any of these products, contact the store and ask.
Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 will not look or smell spoiled. Eating food contaminated with this pathogenic bacteria can cause serious and potentially life-threatening illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to seizures, strokes, and kidney failure. If you have eaten Gort’s cheese and have had severe diarrhea or been ill please see a doctor immediately.
