Quebec’s agriculture ministry is warning the public not to eat certain raspberry pastries sold at Boulangerie Ange locations in Montreal suburbs, saying they may be contaminated with norovirus. The ministry, known as MAPAQ, issued the warning Friday in collaboration with the bakery chain. It stems from a recall by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of Alasko-brand frozen whole raspberries that originated in China and were distributed to several establishments across Canada. The affected products are the bakery’s raspberry tart, raspberry tartlet and, at some locations, raspberry Danish. They were sold individually, only between Sept. 8 and 11, at the following locations: The products were given to customers by a store clerk, packaged in a cardboard box and sold refrigerated. Some packaging may carry a “Boulangerie Ange” label. The ministry says the pastries may also have been sold online or distributed by community organizations in the region. Anyone who has one of the products is advised not to eat it. Even if the pastries show no signs of spoilage or an unusual smell, they could be contaminated and make people sick, MAPAQ says. Norovirus symptoms generally include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Muscle pain, fatigue, fever, chills and headaches can also occur. Symptoms usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of eating contaminated food. People who develop symptoms after eating one of the products are advised to consult a health professional. MAPAQ says a few cases of illness linked to the Alasko frozen raspberries have been reported to the ministry so far. The ministry is also checking with several other Quebec retailers that may have used the recalled raspberries, and more products could be recalled depending on the results. Consumers with questions can email smsaia@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
