Cheese Recalled Over Potential Botulism Contamination

officials are warning consumers against eating certain cheeses after an urgent recall was issued. Mounet Group recalled Mounet Group brand Labneh soft unripened in vegetable oil on Nov. 18 because it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism poisoning.

The recall stems from Quebec, Canada, where The Canadian Inspection Agency (CFIA) alerted consumers in a notice last week that the is subject to recall. The recall only affects Mounet Group Labneh – Soft Unripened in Vegetable Oil sold in the 350-gram size. The affected products bear UPC code 6 16833 53867 4 as well as codes “Prod: 2021/08/15” and “Exp: 2023/08/15.” According to the CFIA, the recalled products were sold in Quebec. No other products are included in the recall at this time, though the CFIA, which is currently investigating the situation, said other products may be added in the future.

The CFIA gave the recall a Class 1 classification, meaning that “there is a high risk that consuming the may lead to serious problems or death.” The concern that prompted the recall was the “potential presence of dangerous bacteria,” with it having been determined that the recalled cheese may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for causing botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. Symptoms of foodborne botulism typically begin 12 to 36 hours after the toxin enters the body, according to the Mayo Clinic, and include trouble swallowing or speaking, dry mouth, facial weakness on both sides of the face, blurred or double vision, trouble breathing, paralysis, and nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Botulism may cause life-threatening symptoms, and it is advised that you seek urgent medical care if you suspect that you have botulism.

In a statement, the CFIA said it is “conducting a safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other…

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