Health Hazard Alert
Niagara Gold and Comfort Cream Cheeses made by Upper Canada Cheese Company may contain salmonella bacteria
April 12, 2006

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume certain Niagara Gold and Comfort Cream Cheeses made by Upper Canada Cheese Company, Jordan Station, Ontario, because these products may be contaminated with salmonella.

The following products are affected by this alert:

• Niagara Gold: Washed Rind Cheese (up to and including December 14, 2005 production dates)
• Comfort Cream: White Bloomy Rind Cheese (up to and including January 6, 2006 production dates)

These products are sold in variable weight packages and may also be offered for sale in smaller portions without a label. Consumers who may have purchased these types of cheeses and are not sure of the manufacturer or lot codes, should inquire at the place of purchase to verify if the store has received the affected product.

These products were sold in the Niagara Region, the Greater Toronto Area and have also been sold across Ontario as a part of online sales and other promotional activities.

There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a food borne illness.

In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.