Urgent Recall of Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese
A significant health concern has arisen in Canada as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a Class 1 recall for Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall, classified as the most severe level, indicates a high risk of serious health issues or even death if the contaminated product is consumed. The cheese, produced by Natural Pastures Cheese Company Ltd. based in Courtenay, British Columbia, has been distributed in both British Columbia and Ontario, prompting urgent action from health officials.
The initial recall advisory was posted on June 24, targeting a 150-gram product sold in Ontario with a best before date of October 2, 2025, and batch number 854 263. This was expanded on July 21 to include additional codes and various sizes of the cheese with lot number 854 179. Consumers are strongly advised not to consume, serve, or sell the recalled products and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
Health Risks and Public Response
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, often following diarrhea or other digestive issues. The CFIA has emphasized the importance of checking for the recalled products in homes and businesses to prevent potential health crises.
Public response to this recall has been swift, with warnings circulating widely to ensure consumer safety. Posts found on social media platforms like X have highlighted the urgency of the situation, with health agencies and news outlets urging people to heed the 'do not consume' advisory. The recall's expansion reflects ongoing testing and vigilance by health authorities to protect the public from this microbial threat.
Ongoing Investigation and Consumer Guidance
The CFIA continues to investigate the contamination issue, with testing confirming the presence of Listeria in the Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese. This has led to the product being pulled from shelves across affected regions, including online distribution channels. Natural Pastures Cheese Company is cooperating with authorities to address the contamination and prevent further distribution of affected batches.
Consumers who may have purchased the cheese are encouraged to verify lot numbers and best before dates against the recall notices. The agency has provided clear guidance on safe disposal or return procedures to mitigate risks. As this situation develops, health officials remain committed to updating the public with any new findings or additional recalls related to this outbreak.