UPDATED: List of recalled items from Salmon Arm Cheese Farm grows to 15
By Nelson Daily Staff
The list of recalled items from Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm of Salmon Arm has expanded to 15 after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency added Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm brand Mild Gouda.
The additional recall came after CFIA said the product may contain E. coli.
Cheese at the Salmon Arm farm has been linked to the death of one elder woman in the B.C. Interior along with 11 other cases of illness in B.C. and Alberta.
The CFIA list of raw milk cheeses affected by the recall include:
- Mild Gouda made from raw milk
- Medium Gouda Cheese Quaso de Prato.
- Aged Quaso de Prato.
- X Aged Quaso de Prato.
- Cumin Quaso de Prato.
- Greek Blend: Onion, Paprika, Parsley, Pepper, Thyme, Oregano Quaso de Prato.
- Gouda Cheese with Jalapeno Peppers Quaso de Prato.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese Quaso de Prato.
- Gouda Cheese with Red Peppers, Ginger, Onions & Garlic Quaso de Prato.
- Peppercorn, Ginger, Paprika, Onion & Garlic Quaso de Prato.
- Parsley, Celery, Onion, Garlic, Dill & Chives Quaso de Prato.
- Maasdammer.
- Beaufort.
- Parmesan.
- Mazouda.
Salmon Arm cheese farm linked to E.coli outbreak
An outbreak of illness caused by E. coli O157:H7 is prompting the BC Centre for Disease Control and Interior Health to issue a public alert to avoid consuming cheese products from Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm of Salmon Arm.
One person has died and 10 have become ill in B.C. and Alberta after eating E. coli tainted products from the Salmon Arm cheese farm.
“One of the cases in British Columbia has died, and the cause of death is currently under investigation,” said the Health Canada statement adding there were four cases of illness in B.C. and seven in Alberta.
One person is still recovering in hospital and several cases remain under investigation, said B.C. Centre for Disease Control epidemiologist Dr. Eleni Galanis.
The illnesses began in July, with the majority of infected people displaying symptoms in late August to early September.
Dr. Galanis said anyone with Gort’s cheese products at home or at retail should immediately dispose of this product.
It is believed that this cheese product is distributed throughout the province. The farm operator has also agreed to halt any further shipments of cheese products and to stop selling cheese to the public at the farm.
Anyone who has eaten this cheese and feel well, there is no need to do anything further.
However, those who ate this cheese within 10 days and have severe diarrhea or feel very sick, see a health care provider.
The illnesses began in July with the majority of infected people displaying symptoms in late August to early September.
Public health and food safety staff from BCCDC and Interior Health are working with counterparts from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada to investigate this outbreak and prevent further health risks to the public.
E. coli (Escherichia coli)
- A germ, or bacterium, that infects the digestive tract of animals.
- There are many types of E. coli, and most of them are harmless. But some can cause severe illness, even death.
- E. coli O157:H7 can cause stomach cramps and mild to severe diarrhea that can be bloody.
- Symptoms start two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, and usually last between five to 10 days.
Th recalled cheese includes brands:
- Medium Gouda Cheese Quaso de Prato.
- Aged Quaso de Prato.
- X Aged Quaso de Prato.
- Cumin Quaso de Prato.
- Greek Blend: Onion, Paprika, Parsley, Pepper, Thyme, Oregano Quaso de Prato.
- Gouda Cheese with Jalapeno Peppers Quaso de Prato.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese Quaso de Prato.
- Gouda Cheese with Red Peppers, Ginger, Onions & Garlic Quaso de Prato.
- Peppercorn, Ginger, Paprika, Onion & Garlic Quaso de Prato.
- Parsley, Celery, Onion, Garlic, Dill & Chives Quaso de Prato.
- Maasdammer.
- Beaufort.
- Parmesan.
- Mazouda.
For more information on E. coli and its health risks, visit the BCCDC web site: http://www.bccdc.ca/dis-cond/a-z/_e/EColi/overview/default.htm
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