Quebec cheese recalls expand: 33 Laiterie de Coaticook products, plus Italian fresh cheeses over E. coli
Listeria and E. coli contamination has triggered recalls affecting multiple Quebec retailers, with Costco in Sherbrooke affected. The CFIA investigation is ongoing.
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Laiterie de Coaticook recalled 33 cheese products on August 3 over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has classified it as a Class 1 recall — the highest-risk category, meaning the products could cause serious health consequences.
The recall covers Mild Cheddar Curds and White Cheddar block products sold across Quebec. Affected curds come in sizes from 50 g snack packs to 2 kg bags, available in plain, dill, spice, hickory, and onion varieties, all with a "meilleur avant 07AU26" best-before date. White cheddar blocks range from 50 g to 2.27 kg wheels in salted, non-salted, and semi-pressed versions, marked "meilleur avant 22OC26" or "05AU26".
Costco is notifying members who purchased Laiterie Coaticook Cheese Curds (600 g, Item #1924785) or Cheddar Cheese Block (640 g, Item #1924804) at its Sherbrooke warehouse on July 23, 2026. The curds' best-before date is August 7, 2026; the cheddar block's is October 22, 2026. Costco says anyone with either product should throw it out or return it to the warehouse for a full refund.
Listeria doesn't necessarily make food look or smell off, but can cause vomiting, nausea, muscle aches, fever, and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system face the highest risk; severe infections can be life-threatening.
Separately, the CFIA is recalling fresh cheese products sold in Ontario and Quebec made by Importazione Mini Italia over generic E. coli: Bianca Murgia Burratina Pugliese (100 g, 125 g, 200 g), Bianca Murgia Burratina Pugliese al Tartufo (125 g), Longo's Curato Burrata Soft Fresh Cheese (100 g), and Sapori Coratini Stracciatella (200 g). All were tied to a best-before date of August 12, 2026. This is a Class 2 recall, a step down in severity, but the products should still be discarded.
Anyone with affected products should throw them out or return them to where they were purchased. Anyone who suspects they got sick from these products should contact a healthcare provider. The CFIA's food safety investigation is ongoing and could still turn up more affected products.
What retailers in Quebec carry the full range of 33 Coaticook products affected by the recall?
Have any illnesses been confirmed in connection with the Coaticook or Importazione Mini Italia products?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many Laiterie de Coaticook products were recalled?
Laiterie de Coaticook recalled 33 cheese products on August 3 over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
What Costco products were affected and when were they sold?
Costco's Sherbrooke warehouse sold Laiterie Coaticook Cheese Curds (600 g) and Cheddar Cheese Block (640 g) on July 23, 2026. Affected customers should discard these products or return them for a full refund.
What are the health risks of Listeria contamination?
Listeria can cause vomiting, nausea, muscle aches, fever, and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk, and severe infections can be life-threatening.
Which fresh cheese brands were recalled for E. coli?
Importazione Mini Italia recalled four fresh cheese products sold in Ontario and Quebec: Bianca Murgia Burratina Pugliese, Bianca Murgia Burratina Pugliese al Tartufo, Longo's Curato Burrata Soft Fresh Cheese, and Sapori Coratini Stracciatella, all with a best-before date of August 12, 2026.
