You'll want to check your fridge as soon as you can. The B.C. Centre for Disease Control says a local cheese has been affected by an E. coli outbreak.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks’ Qualicum Spice cheese is being advised to be returned to the place of purchase or thrown away. Products have a best before date up to, as well as including, April 24, 2019.
The agency says five people have been affected by E. coli between August and October.
"The investigation is ongoing to determine the source and extent of contamination," the warning reads.
Qualicum Spice cheese is unpasteurized and distributed throughout the province and sold in grocery stores, farmers' markets, wineries, restaurants and at the Little Qualicum Cheeseworks farmgate store in Parksville, B.C.
"Qualicum Cheeseworks has voluntarily recalled the affected product. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks produces several other types of dairy products. No other products are being recalled at this time and consumers do not need to discard them," according to the statement.
Anyone who becomes ill from E. coli can have a wide range of symptoms. Some may have no symptoms and some may become seriously ill and be hospitalized. The following symptoms can appear within one to 10 days after infection:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Little or no fever
If you have no symptoms but have consumed this product before, you do not need to do anything. If you become ill after consuming the cheese, you are asked to do the following:
- Practice good hand washing with warm water and soap to prevent the spread of illness
- Drink lots of clear fluids to stay hydrated
- Anyone who has bloody diarrhea or is concerned about their symptoms should see a health care provider or call HealthLinkBC at 811
- Antibiotics and anti-diarrhea medications should not be used to treat this infection unless prescribed by your health care provider
