Vancouver, BC – Following a national product recall, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control is warning the public not to consume Cropwell Bishop Creamery Finest Blue Stilton Cheese bearing a Best Before date of 08/DE/12 (December 12, 2008). This product was sold nationally through Costco Wholesale stores, and may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The BCCDC, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is advising anyone who may have purchased this product not to consume this recalled cheese, and discard or return it to their place of purchase. The BCCDC is concerned that this cheese product may still be in the homes of consumers as Blue Stilton Cheeses can be stored and consumed well beyond the product's best before date.

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of illness associated with the consumption of this product, and a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Health Hazard Alert was issued on December 10, 2008. The BCCDC is currently working with BC Health Authorities and the CFIA to ensure the recalled product is removed from distribution and to investigate any possible cases of illness. 

To date, we have seen 22 cases of listeriosis reported in BC this year. This is slightly higher than in previous years, in part due to a national outbreak associated with Maple Leaf deli meats. Listeria, if present, will grow to high numbers even if the cheese has been stored in the refrigerator. Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause listeriosis, a food borne illness.

Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

If you have consumed this recalled product and have symptoms compatible with Listeria infection, call the 24-hour BC NurseLine at 1-866-215-4700, contact a family physician, or view the BC HealthFiles on Listeria at http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile75.stm.

For more information see the BCCDC page on Listeria / Listeriosis

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Media Contact:

Ritinder Harry
BCCDC Communications
Email: ritinder.harry@bccdc.ca
Phone: 604-660-4922