California Company Recalling Cheeses Due to Potential Link to Listeria Infections

A California cheese manufacturer is recalling various cheeses after FDA and CDC notified the company that the company's product may be linked to Listeria related illnesses.  Listeria has not been isolated from the product.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm462976.htm
Karoun Dairies, Inc. Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Various Cheeses Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Consumer:
866-272-9393
Media:
866-272-9376

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 16, 2015 — San Fernando, CA — Today Karoun Dairies, Inc. announced that it is voluntarily recalling a variety of cheeses it distributes due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, no product has tested positive for Listeria but in view of the association with listeriosis cases Karoun Dairies Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall in the interest of protecting public health.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The products are vacuum packed, in jars or in pails under the following brands; Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, Gopi, and Yanni. Weights vary from 5 ounces to 30 pounds.

This recall is limited to cheese with the UPC codes in the table below sold nationwide. No other Karoun Dairies product is affected by this recall. The products being recalled are listed below and were distributed to retail outlets, including food service accounts and supermarkets in the U.S. Consumers can find UPC code and use by dates on each package.

See List - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm462976.htm

Karoun Dairies was made aware of a possible association of their cheese products with several recent cases of listeriosis by FDA and CDC. The company has ceased distribution of above cheeses and is working closely with FDA to continue to investigate the problem further.

Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged to dispose of or return it to theplace of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may call toll free 1-866-272-9393 toll free, Monday – Friday 8:00AM to 6:00PM PST.