CANADA: Kirkland Signature brand fresh Cheese Cannelloni and Meat Lasagna may contain dangerous bacteria

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. are warning the public not to consume Kirkland Signature brand Cheese Cannelloni and Meat Lasagna as they may be contaminated with Staphylococcus bacteria.

The following Kirkland Signature brand products with best before dates up to and including 25/09/01 (September 25, 2001) are affected by this alert:

Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. is voluntarily recalling these products from the marketplace. These products have been sold only in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.

Food contaminated with Staphylococcus bacteria may not look or smell spoiled. The toxin produced by Staphylococcus bacteria is not easily destroyed at normal cooking temperatures. Consumers should dispose of remaining product immediately, or return it to their Costco Wholesale warehouse for a full refund. Common symptoms of Staphylococcus poisoning are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and fever. In severe cases, headache, muscle cramping and changes in blood pressure and pulse rate may occur.

There have been several reported illnesses possibly linked to these products. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is continuing with the investigation and is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. or the CFIA at one of the following numbers:

Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.

Janet Shanks
Vice President Fresh Foods & Food Service
Direct: (613) 221-2011
Email: jshanks@costco.com

The CFIA

In the province of Quebec 1-800-561-3350; or
In other provinces and territories 1-800-442-2342.

For information on receiving recalls by electronic mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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