The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and The Tree of Life Canada are warning the public not to consume the King James brand Blue Stilton Cheese, product of England, because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Tree of Life, the importer of the cheese based in Surrey, British Columbia, is voluntarily recalling the product.

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The cheese was sold to retailers in 2 kg bulk round packages bearing Lot/Batch numbers between 019 and 034 inclusive. However, this cheese may have been cut and sold at retail/deli counters in random weight packages starting April 14, 2011 up to and including May 19, 2011. The brand name and lot code information of the original bulk cheese may not appear on the individual cut pieces of the cheese. This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland. However, it may have been distributed nationally.

Although there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product, consumers are urged to contact the retailer if they have the affected cheese.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness that can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. For more information about Listeria visit www.about-listeria.com.

Consumers and industry with questions about the recall can call CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).