Ontarians are reminded to avoid headcheese products that have been the subject of two recent food recalls.On July 14, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall of Freybe brand headcheese because it may be contaminated with Salmonella Chester.  The product was distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, Yukon, and may have been distributed nationally. All products sold up to and including July 14, 2010 are affected by this recall.

The Freybe brand headcheese has been linked to 17 confirmed cases of Salmonella Chester in B.C. and 1 confirmed case in Ontario.

On July 21, 2010, the CFIA recalled all flavours of Brandt brand headcheese because they may be contaminated with salmonella. The affected products have been distributed nationally. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Headcheese is a deli product made from meat from the head of a pig, combined with gelatin and spices. It is often repackaged at deli counters in retail stores, and may not include the original brand name and/or Best Before dates.  Consumers who have headcheese in their fridge, and who are uncertain if it is associated with these recalls, should contact the store where it was purchased to identify the brand and determine if it is a recalled product.