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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling some Farm Boy, L'Ancêtre and Life Smart organic cheeses because of possible Listeria contamination. This composite of handout image shows some of the products included in the recall. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - CFIA (Mandatory credit)
By The Canadian Press

Some Farm Boy, L’Ancêtre and Life Smart cheeses recalled due to possible listeria

Oct 14, 2026 | 12:20 PM

TORONTO — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling some Farm Boy, L’Ancêtre and Life Smart organic cheeses because of possible listeria contamination.

In a notice issued Wednesday, the agency says the recall was triggered by test results and there have been no reported illnesses.

It says people should throw out or return any of the affected cheeses and contact a health-care provider if they think they have become sick.

The affected products include Farm Boy organic Swiss, medium cheddar, old cheddar, extra sharp and 3 Year Old cheddar cheeses with a best before date of July 30, 2027.

Life Smart organic part skim mozzarella cheese with a best before date of March 30, 2027 is also affected.

The recalled products also include several shredded organic cheeses made by L’Ancêtre with best before dates of this December, next January and next July.

L’Ancêtre’s organic Swiss cheese with a best before date of July 30, 2027 is also included in the recall.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it is conducting an investigation that may lead to recalling more products.

The agency says that food contaminated with listeria bacteria can make people sick even if it doesn’t smell or look spoiled.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says symptoms of listeriosis — the infection caused by listeria — can include fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain and headaches.

It can also cause a stiff neck, confusion, seizures and loss of balance.

In severe cases, people can die.

Most people infected with listeriosis experience mild illness and recover on their own. However, older adults, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.

Even if pregnant women only experience mild, flu-like symptoms, the illness can lead to premature delivery or infect the newborn baby.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press