Coaticook Aged Cheddar Cheese Recalled Over Listeria Risk: CFIA

Listeria monocytogenes contamination can trigger vomiting, fever, severe headaches and, in the most serious cases, life-threatening infections — and it is the reason behind a new recall affecting Coaticook brand Aged Cheddar Cheese. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the cheese, sold under the label ‘Aged Cheddar Cheese 1 an,’ should not be eaten, sold, served or distributed while the investigation continues.

The recall, issued on September 1, 2026, covers product distributed in Quebec and manufactured by Laiterie de Coaticook Limitée. If you have this cheese in your refrigerator, checking the package details below should be your first step.

Products Affected by This Recall

Two package sizes of the same product are included in this recall:

• Coaticook Aged Cheddar Cheese 1 an — 1.15 kg, UPC 00059263642519, Best Before 03AU27
• Coaticook Aged Cheddar Cheese 1 an — 2.27 kg, UPC 00059263645015, Best Before 03AU27

Consumers should match both the UPC and the best-before code printed on the packaging, since other Coaticook cheese products are not necessarily part of this specific recall.

What Went Wrong?

According to the CFIA, the affected products are being pulled from the marketplace due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was triggered by the company itself, and as of the announcement date, no illnesses had been reported in connection with these products. Even so, the agency is treating the matter seriously: it has classified the recall as a Class 1, its highest-risk category, meaning consumption of the product could cause serious health consequences or death.

Food carrying Listeria monocytogenes does not always look, smell or taste spoiled, which is part of what makes the bacteria dangerous. Symptoms can include nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. People who are pregnant, elderly or immunocompromised face the greatest risk. In pregnant women, an infection that seems mild — even flu-like — can still lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or stillbirth.

Who Is Affected?

Distribution for this recall is limited to Quebec, according to the CFIA notice. The agency also flagged that its food safety investigation is ongoing and could expand to cover other products from the same company. Two related items — Coaticook brand White Cheddar cheeses and Coaticook brand Mild Cheddar Curds (White, Frozen) — have already been recalled separately over the same Listeria concern, suggesting a broader issue at the facility is under review.

What Should You Do?

If you purchased either size of the affected cheese, the CFIA recommends the following steps:

• Do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute the recalled product
• Check your refrigerator against the UPCs and best-before codes listed above
• Throw out the product or return it to the store where it was purchased
• Contact a healthcare provider if you believe you became sick after eating the cheese

Retailers and food service operators that received the product are expected to remove it from shelves and storage immediately while the CFIA verifies compliance.

Regulatory Response

The CFIA said it is conducting a food safety investigation into the matter, which may lead to the recall of additional products from the same company. The agency is also verifying that industry is properly removing the recalled cheese from the marketplace. The recall carries the identification number RA-82581 and CFIA reference 17535.

Consumers with questions can reach the CFIA’s public enquiries line at 1-613-773-2342 or by email at information@inspection.gc.ca. Media enquiries can be directed to 613-773-6600 or cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca.