Farm Boy Cheeses, 2 Other Brands Recalled for Listeria Risk Across Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall notice for various cheese products sold in stores across Canada, including Farm Boy brand products, due to a risk of listeria contamination. The recall was triggered by CFIA testing, and while no illnesses associated with consumption of the products have been reported, the agency is continuing its investigation and warns that additional products may be recalled. Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause illness even when the food does not look or smell spoiled, and in severe cases the infection can lead to death. Consumers are being urged to check their homes for the affected products and to not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute them. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the recall notice on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, for various cheese products sold in stores across Canada. The recall includes Farm Boy brand products as well as products from two other brands, L'Ancêtre and Life Smart. According to the recall notice, the action comes after testing was done by the CFIA. Although no illnesses associated with consumption of the products have been reported, the CFIA stated it is continuing to investigate and that other products may be recalled as a result. The agency confirmed that recalled products are currently being removed from the marketplace, but consumers are being urged to remain aware of the products in case they are still in circulation. A full list of affected products is available on the government recall website. The CFIA says food contaminated with listeria, also known as Listeria monocytogenes, can make a person sick even if the food does not look or smell spoiled. Symptoms of illness from ingesting the bacteria may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. The recall notice identifies a greater risk for pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women in particular, the notice states that an infection may only produce mild, flu-like symptoms in the mother, but there could still be a serious risk of premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases, listeria can lead to death. The products confirmed by the CFIA so far include five Farm Boy organic cheese varieties, all with a best before date of July 30, 2027. They are: Farm Boy Organic Swiss Cheese, 190 g (UPC: 8 08912 02276 5); Farm Boy Organic Medium Cheddar Cheese, 200 g (UPC: 8 08912 02279 6); Farm Boy Organic Old Cheddar Cheese, 200 g (UPC: 8 08912 02278 9); Farm Boy Organic Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 200 g (UPC: 8 08912 01237 7); and Farm Boy Organic 3 Year Old Cheddar Cheese, 195 g (UPC: 8 08912 01236 0). Six L'Ancêtre organic cheese products are also covered by the recall. They include: L'Ancêtre Organic Swiss Cheese, 200 g, best before July 30, 2027 (UPC: 7 78177 49960 5); L'Ancêtre Organic Cheddar Cheese – Shredded Old, 2 kg, best before Dec. 4, 2026 (UPC: 7 78177 82933 4); L'Ancêtre Organic Mozza – Cheddar Shredded Cheese Blend, 200 g, best before Dec. 11, 2026, or Jan. 17, 2027 (UPC: 7 78177 49950 6); L'Ancêtre Organic Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded Partly Skimmed, 1 kg, best before Dec. 25, 2026 (UPC: 7 78177 49950 6); L'Ancêtre Organic Swiss Cheese – Shredded, 1 kg, best before Dec. 25, 2026 (UPC: 7 78177 82960 0); and L'Ancêtre Organic Cheddar Cheese – Shredded Medium, 2 kg, best before Jan. 24, 2027 (UPC: 7 78177 85132 8). One Life Smart product is also named in the recall: Life Smart Organic Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese, 200 g, with a best before date of March 30, 2027 (UPC: 0 59749 99105 6). The CFIA is asking consumers to check whether they have any of the recalled products and, if so, not to consume, serve, use, sell or distribute them. Affected products should either be returned to the location where they were purchased or thrown out. The agency also advises anyone who believes they have become sick from consuming these or any recalled products to contact their healthcare provider.