OTTAWA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and International Cheese Co. Ltd. are warning people not to eat Santa Lucia brand ricotta cheese because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Santa Lucia brand ricotta cheese, is sold in packages of 500 g, bearing a best before date of 09JA01 (Jan. 1,
2009) and lot number 477.

This recalled product has been distributed in Ontario.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of the cheese.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled.

Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.