Frozen slabs of crème brûlée may have poisoned nearly 190 people, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has warned.

Sélection du Pâtissier brand Cranberry Crème Brûlée is suspected of being tainted by staphylococcus toxin, but the frozen dessert product may also have found its way onto store shelves across Canada, the Quebec-based manufacturer says.

Sélection du Pâtissier is voluntarily recalling the product, and the CFIA is urging people not to consume frozen cranberry crème brûlée sold in 7.4-kilogram (16.31 pounds) cases.

The alert concerns shipments of 2 x 42 pre-marked serving slabs that bear the item number 00208 and UPC 1 06 22267 00208 4.

The individual slab is identified as a 3.7-kilogram (8.15 pounds) package bearing item number 00208 and UPC 6 22267 00208 7.

Staphylococcus poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and fever. Severe cases can result in a change of blood pressure and pulse rate.

The CFIA says food contaminated with staphylococcus bacteria may not look or smell spoiled, and that the toxin is difficult to destroy at normal cooking temperatures.

Recall notice