Thursday, August 4, 2016

Organic Cheese Products Recalled After Linked to E. Coli Outbreak

Grassfield Cheese Company is recalling organic cheese products sold in Whole Foods and its own store in MI after the product was linked to an E. coli STEC outbreak where 7 people become ill.  Product was shipped into the Southeast and Midwest.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm514967.htm
Grassfields Cheese Recall Affects Select Whole Foods Market Locations; Grocer Recalls Product from Cheese Departments

For Immediate Release
August 4, 2016
Contact
Consumers Grassfields Cheese Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com 616-997-8251

Announcement
AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 3, 2016) - In response to Grassfields Cheese LLC’s organic cheese recall, Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling the product from select stores in the Midwest and South out of an abundance of caution. Grassfields Cheese issued the recall due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), a bacteria that can cause serious illness in humans.

E.coli infection symptoms vary by individual, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5–7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Around 5–10% of those diagnosed with Shiga-toxin producing E.coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Signs that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.

The recall includes the following types of Grassfields Cheeses: Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Fait Gras and Polkton Corners which were cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap with scale labels beginning with PLU codes that ranged from 0206151 to 0206159 and "sell by" dates through 9/2/2016.

The products were sold at Whole Foods Market stores in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Not all products were sold in all stores.

The potential for contamination was identified during an ongoing investigation of seven cases of human illnesses occurring between March and July 2016 caused by a same type of STEC. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Geagley Laboratory confirmed the presence of STEC bacteria in a sample of Grassfields cheese collected by MDARD food and dairy inspectors.

Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled products can return them to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Grassfields Cheese at 616-997-8251 Monday – Friday, 8am - 5pm EST or Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com.


 http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm515074.htm
Grassfields Cheese LLC Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall Of Certain CheesesFor Immediate Release


August 3, 2016

Contact

ConsumersGrassfields Cheese Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com 616-997-8251
Media Grassfields Cheese Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com 616-997-8251

Announcement

(Coopersville, MI) - Out of an abundance of caution, Grassfields Cheese LLC, is conducting a voluntary recall of approximately 20,000 pounds of organic cheeses due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), a bacteria that can cause serious illness in humans. The recalled cheeses were sold from the firm’s retail store located at 14238 60th Ave., Coopersville MI 49404, to wholesale and retail customers, and to consumers nationwide via sales through the firm’s website: http://www.Grassfieldsscheese.com/.

This recall involves all types and sizes of organic cheeses manufactured by the firm between December 1, 2015 through June 1, 2016 including: Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Chili Cheese, Fait Fras, Polkton Corners and Crofters. The cheeses were sold as wheels, half wheels, and wedges of various sizes.

The potential for contamination was identified during an ongoing investigation of seven cases of human illnesses occurring between March and July 2016 caused by a same type of STEC. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Geagley Laboratory confirmed the presenceof STEC bacteria in a sample of Grassfields cheese collected by MDARD food and dairy inspectors.

E.coli infection symptoms vary by individual, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5-7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Around5-10% of those diagnosed with Shiga-toxin producing E.coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Signs that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Persons with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems. Most persons with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or die. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact Grassfields Cheese at 616-997-8251 Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm EST or Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com

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