Investigation Begins into Listeria Outbreak Associated with Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses that has caused 7 illnesses so far.  "No specific type or brand of cheese has been confirmed as the source of illness. CDC reported that seven people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported in Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Six of the seven ill people are Hispanic. Of the four people interviewed, three reported eating at least one type of Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses, and all three reported eating queso fresco."

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-hispanic-style-fresh-and-soft-cheeses-february-2021
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes – Hispanic-style Fresh and Soft Cheeses (February 2021)
FDA begins investigation; early CDC data indicates link to Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 7
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Date: 1/22/2021
States with Cases: MD (4), CT (1), NY (1), and VA (1)

Report on Persistent Listeria Contamination Issue in a Swiss Cheese Facility

An article published in Emerging Infectious Diseases titled Listeriosis Caused by Persistence of Listeria monocytogenes Serotype 4b Sequence Type 6 in Cheese Production Environment discusses an ongoing Listeria outbreak in Switzerland that occurred in two waves, 2018 and 2020.

"Of the 34 human isolates, 30 were from blood samples and 1 each from an abscess, ascites, maternal placenta tissue, or stool sample (Table). One case of perinatal transmission and 10 deaths (29%) were reported."

A Swiss cheese manufacturer had reported the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in the facility and this was matched to the outbreak strain using whole genome sequencing.  "These findings prompted extensive environmental sampling on the production site of the manufacturer. A total of 50 swab specimens from locations, such as vats, cheese harps, skimming devices, sink drains, brushes, scrub sponges, trays, door handles, ripening cellar floors, and walls were obtained....L. monocytogenes was identified in 11 (22%) of 50 environmental samples, and all 5 sequenced isolates matched the outbreak strain CT (Table; Figure 2). These results lead to a recall on May 5, 2020, of 26 items, including brie, sheep and goat cheese, and organic cheeses; production was stopped immediately. " 

In conclusion, the report states "This outbreak highlights the risk for recontamination of pasteurized cheese products during manufacturing and emphasizes the need for routine sampling of products, manufacturing equipment, and the production environment. Routine quality controls should include WGS typing of environmental L. monocytogenes isolates to enable early recognition of potential food contamination and to ultimately mitigate the risk for listeriosis."

FDA Issues Warning Letter to NJ Cheese Processor - No Preventive Control Plan and No Listeria Control Program

FDA issued a Warning Letter to El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. of Patterson NJ for not having a Preventive Control Plan in place for each type of food processed.  They also did not have a Listeria control program in place.  While investigators found Listeria in the processing facility, the strains they found were not pathogenic.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/el-abuelito-cheese-inc-605472-06042020
WARNING LETTER
El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 605472 — June 04, 2020

Imported String Cheese Recalled After Listeria Positive Test Result

A Palm Springs, FL. company, Limena, LLC, is recalling its 1 lb. (16 ounce) blocks of Salvadorean String Cheese (Quesillo Cheese) semi-soft cheese after routine testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one sample of 1 lb. (16 ounce) blocks of Salvadorean String Cheese (Quesillo Cheese). The recalled "Salvadorean String Cheese (Quesillo Cheese)" was distributed to retail stores and through mail orders.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/limena-llc-recalls-salvadorean-string-cheese-quesillo-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Limena, LLC Recalls "Salvadorean String Cheese (Quesillo Cheese)" Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: January 02, 2020
FDA Publish Date: January 02, 2020
Product Type: Food & Beverages Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Limena, LLC
Brand Name: Limena, LLC
Product Description: Salvadorean String Cheese (Quesillo Cheese) semi-soft cheese

FDA Warning Letter to RTE Cheese Processor

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a cheese facility in Miami.  Issues include no Preventive Control Plan and really poor GMPs (dripping condensate, leaking pipes, and inadequate sanitation).  And they are producing RTE cheese product of some sort.

The thing that gets you is the company name....US Dairy Unlimited.   You are thinking with a name like that, that is a serious operation.  Could have called it Ury's Cheese, but who would buy that.  But US Dairy Unlimited....there are no limits to what they can do, or so one would think.

But looking at the facility (based on address from notice on Google Map Street view), it looks like nothing like Dairy Unlimited.  Not to say they can't make good products, but if this is your supplier, you may want to investigate a little closer.  For example, your purchasing person informs you that they have contracted a new co-packer....US Dairy Unlimited.  What supplier approval process granted this?

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/us-dairy-unlimited-llc-590413-11192019
WARNING LETTER
U.S. Dairy Unlimited, LLC
MARCS-CMS 590413 — November 19, 2019

NY Establishment Recalls Raw Milk Cheese After Positive Listeria Test

Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC, is recalling their Mecox Sunrise washed-rind Tomme style cheese after routine testing by New York State Agriculture and Markets Division of Milk Control revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Mecox Sunrise cheese.

Mecox Dairy is a NY establishment.  According to the label, the cheese is a raw milk cheese which has been aged for more than 60 days.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mecox-bay-dairy-llc-recalls-mecox-sunrise-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC Recalls “Mecox Sunrise” Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 09, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  May 09, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:  Food & Beverage Safety, Potential Foodborne Illness, Listeria
Company Name:  Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC
Brand Name:  Mecox Bay Dairy
Product Description:  Mecox Sunrise Cheese

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli-Sliced Meats and Cheeses

CDC is investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese that has 8 cases with one death in 4 different states - MI, PA, NJ, and NY.  Listeria specimens from ill people were collected from November 13, 2016 to March 4, 2019.

One would expect that Listeria coming in on deli meat or cheese can be spread through the slicer.  Slicer, if not regularly cleaned, can allow build up on the slicer and slicer blade, and then transfer that to other products.  Heat generated by the slicer, and the fact that the slicer sitting at room temperature, can allow for growth of the organism over the day.

CBS News 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/listeria-outbreak-linked-to-deli-meats-turns-deadly/
Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats turns deadly
By Ashley Welch
April 18, 2019 / 5:20 PM/ CBS News

NY Cheese Producer Issues Recall After Listeria Found in Environment

Sprout Creek Farm of Poughkeepsie, New York is recalling 4 wheels of “Kinkead” cheese, raw semi-firm, washed natural rind cheese, made on 5-10-18, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The issue was discovered as part of the corrective action when Listeria monocytogenes was discovered during routine testing earlier this month. "Sprout Creek Farm voluntarily ceased all production of cheese immediately following that recall initiated on November 6. Additionally since the November 6 recall, there has been no production or distribution of any cheese by the farm.

The same firm had issued a recall on 11/7/18 for 132 wheels of cheese after product tested positive.  NY regulators also issued an alert on 10/8/18 after issues with pasteurization were discovered.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm627077.htm

Sprout Creek Farm Recalls “Kinkead” Cheese due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 28, 2018

Michigan Company Recalls Ackawi Cheese After State Inspection Discovers Listeria Issue

Green Cedar Dairy of Michigan is recalling Ackawi cheese after a Listeria issue was discovered on November 9, 2018 during a routine inspection by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Food & Dairy Division (MDARD) and by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

From www.cheese.com, Ackawi cheese is "a Middle Eastern cheese named after the Aker region of Palestine, where it first originated. In Arabic, akkawi means "from akka". It is soft unripened brine cheese with a chewy, smooth consistency and a very mild, slightly salty flavour. The cheese is widely popular across most of the Levant where it is used as a table cheese, eaten as it or paired with a fruit."

Further, "The cheese is commonly made using pasteurized cow's milk, but can be made with goat or sheep's milk as well. It is produced on a large scale in Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Cyprus where people typically eat it with a soft flatbread at lunch and dinner. Its texture can be compared to that of a Mozzarella, Feta or a Mizithra, as it does not melt down very well. The resistance to melting makes it an excellent frying cheese, because it holds its shape very well. The cheese can be stored for up to a year."
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm626134.htm
Recall of Green Cedar Dairy Ackawi Cheese Bearing a Sell by Date of March 26, 2019 or Later
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2018

NY Regulators Issue Alert on NY Cheese Due to Inadequate Pasteurization

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued a consumer alert regarding cheese from Sprout Creek Farm of Poughkeepsie, NY that was not properly pasteurized. "The reason for the recall is the air temperature at the start and end of the pasteurization process is required to be above 150deg F per the Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance; the batch in question did not meet that standard."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm622705.htm
Consumer Alert: Sprout Creek Farm “Margie” Cheese Batch Recalled
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2018

French Creme Cheese Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Sample

Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Explorateur French Triple Crème cheese from nine stores located in six different states after the grocery store chain was notified by a distributor of a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm604172.htm

Nine Whole Foods Market Stores Issue Voluntary Recall for Explorateur French Triple Creme Cheese Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 9, 2018

NY Cheese Plant Ordered Closed Until Proof That Product and Process is Listeria Free

In an FDA News Release, "the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against Vulto Creamery LLC (Walton, N.Y.) and its owner and manager Johannes “Jos” H. Vulto. The defendants cannot prepare, process, manufacture, pack and/or hold FDA-regulated food products until they can ensure that L. mono is not present in their facility and their food."

The Vulto linked Listeria outbreak which occurred last year, impacted 8 people, killing 2.  "Before the company can resume operations, the consent decree requires it, among other things, to retain an independent laboratory to collect and analyze environmental and finished samples for the presence of L. mono, retain an independent expert and develop a program to control L. mono, and eliminate unsanitary conditions at its facility."

FDA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm603372.htm
New York raw milk cheese company ordered to stop sales for food safety violations
For Immediate Release
April 2, 2018

Summary
Vulto Creamery source of outbreak that sickened eight people, killing two

FDA Issues Warning for Cheese Sold at Farmers' Market Due to Listeria Potential

NY Ag issued a warning about raw goat milk cheese for potential Listeria contamination.  "A routine sample of the cheese, taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on February 20, 2018, was subsequently tested by the New York State Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On February 23, 2018, the manufacturer was notified of a preliminary positive test result and voluntarily recalled the product from all their customers. Test results were confirmed on March 2, 2018. The cheese will be destroyed by the manufacturer."  To date, there have been no reported illnesses.

This is not the first case of Listeria-in-cheese issue we have seen involving a small processor.  NY has had several recalls and an associated outbreak over the past year or so.  These cases should not incriminate all small cheese makers, however a trend of issues can be a drag on the entire industry sector.  Therefore it behooves the industry to rise above the regulations rather then bemoan them.  We need to do more than applaud small business, but recognize that there is risk and with that, the need for mitigation strategies, independent of the size of company.  This includes strict sanitation practices and verification including monitoring.  The excuse for inaction that these are 'just a small local producers' does no good when we find a owner with the best of intentions suddenly out of business, in court, with product responsible for someone's illness.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm600681.htm
Consumer Alert:  Listeria  Contamination In Maiden’s Creamery Wild Meadow Raw Goat Milk Cheese
For Immediate Release
March 12, 2018

NY Cheese Company Recalls Cheese Products After Presumptive Positive Listeria Test

A NY cheese company is recalling some of its cheese products due to Listeria after tests came back as presumptive positive for Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm582124.htm
Cooperstown Cheese Company Recalls Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
October 22, 2017

Nacho Cheese Sauce and Botulism - Case Findings and Recommendations

In May of 2017, there was a botulism outbreak involving nacho cheese sauce served at a California gas station.  It is easy to see from this that the gas station did not monitor temperature, so likely that the units were possibly shut off.  This is a TCS food item, and with that, strict temperature control is required.   Unfortunately, this type of nacho cheese sauce if often treated as a shelf-stable item.   In the recommendations below, it states that the cheese can be hot held for up to 6 days....so much for me eating nacho cheese on anything served on a food bar...not that I have eaten it ever in the past.

The California Department of Public Health released a memo regarding their findings and recommendations (abridged here, in full below).

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

Nacho Cheese Sauce Probable Source of Gas Station Botulism Cases

Public Health officials in CA believe the source of the botulism cases that occurred from eating at a gas station to be the nacho cheese sauce product.  Most cheese sauce products are made to be shelf-stable for distribution, but once opened, most products may need to be stored at the proper temperatures (outside of the temperature danger zone) to prevent growth. Much of this depends on the formulation (pH, Aw, preservatives).  They also have to be protected against cross contamination.

It difficult to tell whether these product were not properly formulated or were improperly held,  One could guess that the cheese sauce was not properly stored or handled after opening, allowing for a small amount of contamination to grow.  It may have been transferred from a pouch to a canister or serving trey.  For Clostridium botulinun, intoxication to occur, the organism would need to grow in number to produce sufficient toxin.  The product itself would need to be formulated to allow growth and that product would also need to be held at improper temperatures, most likely in the upper part of the temperature danger zone (70F to 125F).

With a thick product like this, people may assume it is like ketchup or mustard that can be left at room temperature after opening....not unless it was formulated that way.  Generally cheese sauce have a higher pH and Aw.   Another potential issue can occur if these products are modified in any way.  Adding peppers or other raw ingredients can be an issue.  Adding water to the product can also be an issue....such as might be the case if the product thickened up after sitting on the hot bar all day.

Sacramento Bee

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article149818204.html

Nacho cheese to blame for rare botulism outbreak at Sacramento area gas station

By Sammy Caiola scaiola@sacbee.com
May 10, 2017

FDA Issues Investigation Report of NY Cheese Firm Responsible for Listeria Outbreak

FDA issued their inspection report (483) to Vulto Creamery, the small NY Cheese company responsible for 2 deaths due to listeria.

Basically, FDA found a lot of issues that indicate this facility just doesn't get it.

• LM was all over the plant, on food contact equipment, and on product.
• While the plant did testing and found Listeria species, they did NOTHING beyond re-clean the area. They did not do follow-up testing nor did they try to determine where the Listeria was coming from, whether is was LM, or whether it impacted product.
• They followed poor sanitary practices including not properly washing hands
• Poor cleaning of facility and equipment
• Poor design and maintenance of the facility

It is amazing that this product had as wide of distribution as it did.  It is also amazing that no one advised them otherwise or inspected them with an eye on safety.  Was it arrogance that being a small, close-to-the-farm, boutique artisan cheese shop, they were beyond the rules or the need to understand the rules?  Pathogens don't read the press clippings and don't care about whether a facility is big or small, organic or conventional, or that it is considered artisan.

FDA Investigation Report (FDA - 483)
https://www.fda.gov/ucm/groups/fdagov-public/@fdagov-afda-orgs/documents/document/ucm554717.pdf
Vulto Creamery, Walton, NY

Date of Inspection 2/28/17 to 3/22/17

NY Creamery Expands Recall, Product Linked to Illnesses. 2 Deaths

A NY creamery expanded its recall, posted on 3/7/16, as the CDC has linked the product to 6 cases of listeriosis.  There have been 2 deaths.

The product had national distribution, and with the window of time until the product was recalled, there may be additional cases that may be reported.

Listeria can be problematic in soft cheeses in that the product will support the growth of Listeria  We have seen a number of cases of listeria related to soft cheeses, so it is incumbent on those packing soft cheeses to have an aggressive Listeria control program. 

Harder cheese have a lower water activity and will not support the growth of Listeria.  While the risk is lower, the food plant-environmental pathogen still needs to be controlled.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm546133.htm
Vulto Creamery Voluntarily Expands Their Recall of All Raw Milk Cheeses Because of Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
For Immediate Release
March 11, 2017

Biery Cheese Recalls Cheese Supplied by DKH

Biery Cheese Company is expanding a recall of cheese that was supplied to them by Deutsch Kase Haus.  Biery was notified on 3/7/17 by DKH.

Biery Cheese Company Expands Recall of Select Cheese Due To Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
For Immediate Release
March 8, 2017