Vancouver Sun — The BC Centre for Disease Control is warning people not to consume a certain type of Camembert cheese over concerns it is tainted with listeria.

The Camembert is manufactured by Moonstruck Organic Cheese located on Saltspring Island.

The warning follows a provincewide recall after health officials discovered on March 2 that one wheel of cheese contained the listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which could have affected other batches of product.

Three Camembert varieties are potentially contaminated, including White Moon, Savory Moon, and Ash-Ripened.

The cheese was sold through various retailers across the province, and the centre warns that anyone who may have bought the recalled cheese should throw it away or return it for a refund.

Health officials said there are no cases of illness linked to the recall. The recall issued immediately after the bacteria was discovered and done with full cooperation of the manufacturer, said officials.

Further testing is needed to identify the source of the contamination.

Consumption of food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease.

Food contaminated with the bacteria may not look or smell spoiled. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal blood infections or meningitis in frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.

For more information about the affected cheese and an expanded list of products.

Source:

Vancouver Sun. "Camembert cheese may contain listeria," http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Camembert+cheese+contain+listeria/2658983/story.html; 08 March 2010.