Yet another Listeria recall

I'm late to the game on this one, but it's still worth noting: in late February, Castle Cheese (West) Inc., based in Lumby, B.C., issued a recall notice for some of its shredded cheese products due to potential Listeria contamination. The first recall notice posted on the CFIA's website on February 24 (here) listed just two products: shredded cheddar, and shredded parmesan (or, more specifically, "shredded dairy product" made with these two types of cheeses).

On March 13, the CFIA posted an expanded recall notice on its website (here), which included the nacho blend, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and "all shredded cheese products" with specific UPC codes that were sold to institutions, hotels, and restaurants.

Four days later, yet another notice was posted on the CFIA website (here), adding crumbled feta, chipped parmesan, and more shredded parmesan to the recall list. The products were distributed throughout Canada, in the retail chain, to hotels, restaurants, and to institutions.

It's worth noting that the recall was initiated by the manufacturer, and they've been proactive in ensuring the products are removed from the marketplace. The CFIA is working with the company to ensure that the products are removed from the marketplace, and is conducting "food safety investigations" to identify the cause of the Listeria. It's also important to note that there have been no reported illnesses from these products, and that the recall is a precautionary measure.


Sources: Food Recall Warning - Sun Valley and Castle brand shredded cheese products recalled due to Listeria. (February 24, 2014). Retrieved March 25, 2014, from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2014-02-24/eng/1393307606171/1393307607062

Food Recall Warning - Okanagan's Choice Cheese brand Shredded Cheese Products recalled due to Listeria. (March 13, 2014). Retrieved March 25, 2014, from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2014-03-13/eng/1394763186626/1394763213149

Food Recall Warning - Meddo Belle and Okanagan's Choice Cheese brands shredded cheese products recalled due to Listeria. (March 17, 2014). Retrieved March 25, 2014 from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2014-03-17/eng/1395091471822/1395091480655

David W.K. Acheson Appointed Head of Food Safety

Announced today by the FDA, David W.K. Acheson has been named the "Food safety czar". Acheson, the author of such books as "Safe Eating: Protect Yourself and Your Family Against Deadly Bacteria", is currently acting as the chief medical officer of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, and will work in his new position alongside FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach to ensure the safety of food products for Americans.

While this is a significant step forward for food safety in the USA, I wonder if a similar position should be created in Canada. Here in the great white north we have issues very similar to those found in the States. For instance, the same spinach imported to the USA that contained E. coli also came to us in Canada. Canada has also had a number of outbreaks that have not affected our southern neighbours.

After hearing a speaker today from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, I've realized how drastically understaffed our food protection groups are. There are so many issues on national and regional levels that simply cannot be addressed by the few employees that are able. As well, the huge reams of paperwork associated with typical food packaging/processing inspections are inhibitory to quick, effective action.

The government of Canada needs to follow the lead of the Americans on more than just half-assed environmental policy, and implement an equivalent qualified and educated individual to oversee food safety.