Miami Company Recalls Queso Fresco Cheese Due to Listeria

A Miami company is recalling Queso Fresco cheese due to the potential for Listeria.   Queso Fresco, or 'fresh cheese' is a Mexican style soft cheese normally made from unpasteurized milk.   Listeria contamination has been a problem with this style of cheese.  CDC has a fact sheet warning pregnant women to avoid this type of cheese because of the Listeria concern.  Over time, there has been a number of recalls associated with this and similar types of cheese.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm561927.htm
Global Garlic Inc. Recalls "Queso Freso/Whole Milk Cheese" Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
May 30, 2017

Contact
Consumers (305)545-6305 Announcement

Global Garlic Inc., 11501 NW 107th ST, Miami, FL, is recalling its 16oz packages of “Queso Fresco/ Whole Milk” and (“Queso Fresco x LB(Barra)/Whole Milk Cheese” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, and 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 stillbirth among pregnant women.

The recalled “Queso Fresco 16oz / Whole Milk” and (“Queso Fresco x LB(Barra)/Whole Milk Cheese” were distributed nationwide in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Louisiana and South Carolina.

The 16oz cheese comes in a clear plastic package marked with a UPC No. 8-96211-00235-9 and an expiration date of September 19, 2017 stamped on the side. The pound (barra) cheese weighted around 5-6 Lb., with a clear plastic package, it has no UPC number and expiration date of June 17, 2017.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture Consumer Services revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 16 ounce packages of “Queso Fresco/ Whole Milk Cheese”.

The production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 16oz packages of “Queso Fresco/ Whole Milk” and (“Queso Fresco x LB(Barra)/Whole Milk Cheese” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company from Monday – Friday 8:00AM -5:30PM EST (305)545-6305.