OTTAWA, January 25, 2005 -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Fantis Canada Limitée are warning the public not to consume Provato Manouri Traditional Greek Cheese because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product, Provato Manouri Traditional Greek Cheese, Imported from Greece, Made from Pasteurized Sheep's Milk, is sold in 2 kg packages bearing code Best Before 05-05-21. Consumers may have purchased the affected product at retail stores in a sliced format with variable weights. Consumers who purchased Manouri cheese between December 13, 2004 and January 25, 2005, should check at the retail outlet to determine if they have purchased the affected product. The importer, Fantis Canada Limitée, Montreal, Canada, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The affected product has been distributed in Quebec. Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacterium can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Pregnant women, young children, 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. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall. For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers: Tommy Ziotas, Fantis Canada Limitée, at 1-800-367-3382; CFIA at 1-800-442-2342. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time - Monday to Friday. For information on receiving recalls by electronic mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca. - 30 - Media enquiries: Tommy Ziotas Fantis Canada Limitée 1-800-367-3382 Fred Jamieson (English) Canadian Food Inspection Agency Office of Food Safety and Recall (613) 760-4376 Linda LeBlanc (French) Canadian Food Inspection Agency Office of Food Safety and Recall (613) 760-4112
