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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in conjunction with the International Cheese Co. Ltd., in the St. Clair Avenue and Keele Street area, have issued an alert warning people not to consume Santa Lucia brand ricotta cheese because it may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

When contacted by The Villager Wednesday morning, International Cheese Co. Ltd.'s Quality Assurance Manager reassured that the issue was being taken care of.

"It's all being managed," Michelle Broad would only say mid-morning. "It's all under control. We're making sure we have all the facts."

The affected product is sold in 500-gram packages with a best before date of Jan. 1, 2009 (O9JA01) and 477 lot number. The product has been distributed in Ontario. No illnesses associated with the consumption of the cheese has been reported. International Cheese Co. Ltd. is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace while the CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

Food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342. For further details about listeria monocytogenes, visit the Food Facts web page at: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concern/causee.shtml