Canada
CFIA Recalls E.Coli Infected Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm Products
CFIA Recalls E.Coli Infected Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm Products
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall of all raw-milk cheese products produced by Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm due to a suspected contamination of potentially deadly e.coli bacteria.
The Farm’s owners, Kathy and Garry Wikkerink, say that they have spent a whole day with food inspectors in order to track down the cause of the e.coli infection. The Wikkerinks report that their raw cheese products have been very popular among customers who demand the healthiest cheese possible and that they feel devastated that all of their efforts to use their own grass-fed dairy milk to produce a quality cheese has resulted instead in a product that must be recalled from store shelves.
So far, the CFIA reports that at least 10 people have become ill from eating Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm raw cheese, with one fatality.
The Farm’s owners say that at least 10,000 customers have already consumed this season’s raw cheese products, but less than a dozen reportedly have gotten sick. None of their staff or farm animals has shown any sign of disease or distress.
The Wikkerinks report they will resume cheese production now making only pasteurized cheeses, including gouda cheese in three different flavors.
Advisory details
Ottawa, September 19, 2013 – The public warning issued on September 17, 2013 has been updated to include an additional product.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm (EST 4478) are warning the public not to consume the Mild Gouda Cheese described below because it may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.
This recall is the result of an ongoing food safety investigation initiated as a result of a recent outbreak investigation. There may be recalls of additional products as the investigation at this facility continues.
Lot codes 122 to 138 are affected by this recall.
Some product packages may not bear a lot code or indicate that the cheese was made with raw milk. This product may also have been sold clerk-served from deli counters with or without a label or coding. Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the affected product are advised to contact their retailer.
There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
The manufacturer, Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm, Salmon Arm, BC is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
Affected products
| Brand Name | Common Name | Size | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm | Mild Gouda Cheese | sold in packages of various sizes, bearing a red “Raw” sticker | sold at certain retail stores in British Columbia and through Internet sales from May 27 to September 14, 2013 |
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