Cheese Recalled in Canada Due to Microbial Contamination

There’s an active recall on multiple brands of cheese sold in four different Canadian provinces, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This is due to a microbial contamination.

Specific cheese products from brands Rumba, Sabana and Sombrero are impacted by this recall. This includes the following:

• Rumba Queso Campesino Country Cheese (lot number CA140524; best by date July 16, 2024)
• Rumba Asadero Mexican Style Cheese (lot number CA140524; UPC 8 91911 00125 1; best by date July 16, 2024)
• Rumba Queso Fresco Fresco Cheese (lot number QF140524; best by date July 14, 2024)
• Rumba Campesino (lot number CA140524; best by date July 16, 2024)
• Rumba Asadero (lot number CA140524; best by date July 16, 2024)
• Sabana Queso Fresco Grilling Cheese (lot number CAE140524; UPC 627 843 776 413; best by date August 14, 2024)
• Sombrero Asadero Grilling Cheese (lot number CA140524; UPC 628204378260; best by date July 16, 2024)

These products were sold to consumers in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. If you have a cheese on hand that matches one of the above product’s information, dispose of it immediately or return to its place of purchase. 

While no illnesses have been reported, the recalled cheese may contain Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause staph infections. Common signs of staph infection include pimples, boils or other skin conditions. While the bacteria itself is typically harmless, infection can lead to more serious symptoms like sepsis and pneumonia. If you’re noticing any signs of illnesses or skin irritation after eating one of the cheese products listed, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

For questions about this recall, call the CFIA’s toll-free number at 1-800-442-2342 or email information@inspection.gc.ca.