Health officials have sounded the alarm for consumers across Canada as Montreal's Pâtisserie Suisse Viennoise faces a significant product recall. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has identified potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in various ready-to-eat items from the established bakery.
What Products Are Affected?
The recall encompasses multiple products sold under the Pâtisserie Suisse Viennoise brand, including:
- Ham and cheese croissants
- Various quiche varieties
- Assorted sandwiches
- Other prepared bakery items
These products were distributed to retailers and food service establishments primarily in Quebec, though the CFIA warns they may have reached other provinces through secondary distribution.
Understanding the Health Risks
Listeria contamination poses serious health threats, particularly for vulnerable populations. Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
These symptoms may appear within days or take up to several weeks to manifest after consuming contaminated products.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased any ready-to-eat products from Pâtisserie Suisse Viennoise, health officials recommend:
- Immediately check your refrigerator and pantry for any affected items
- Do not consume any products matching the recall description
- Return products to the place of purchase or dispose of them properly
- Contact your healthcare provider if you have consumed any recalled products and experience symptoms
The CFIA continues to investigate the source of contamination and monitor the effectiveness of the recall. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall to date, but officials emphasize the importance of precautionary measures.
Consumers with questions or concerns can contact the CFIA directly or visit their website for the most current recall information and complete list of affected products.
