Kraft Expands Sliced Cheese Product Recall Because of More Plastic Film Complaints

Kraft is expanding its recall to 335,000 cases of cheese product because they received more complaints of small pieces of plastic film remaining on the cheese product slices.

Kraft initially recalled 36,000 cases of sliced cheese product after receiving 10 complaints (3 reports of consumer choking) on the individually wrapped cheese product when the wrapping does not completely come off leaving a strip of plastic film.

Washington Post
To Your Health
Kraft cheese expands recall of American cheese singles by 10 times
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/09/04/kraft-cheese-expands-recall-of-american-cheese-singles-by-10-times/

By Elahe Izadi September 4 at 12:22 PM

Kraft has massively expanded its voluntary recall of some American cheese singles, due to new consumer complaints about the plastic film representing a potential choking hazard, the company announced Thursday.

NY Company Recalls Fresh Cheese Due to High S. aureus Levels

 A New York Company is recalling a Queso Fresco or Fresh Cheese after the NY State Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services tested and found the product to have a high level of Staphylococcus aureus in the product.  While Staph aureus may be naturally present on our skin and in our nasal passages, it is can be an issue when in high levels in food products.  When S. aureus reaches high levels, it produces an enterotoxin that can cause serious vomiting.

How high is high?  Generally we don't expect to see any, but may see low levels, 10 cfu or less per gram, and up to 100/gram may be acceptable on fresh cheese.  So if one had to guess, the numbers here would probably be above this level.


FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm443851.htm
CONSUMER ALERT: STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN QUESO FRESCO CHEESE
Contact:  Joe Morrissey 548-457-0752 Joe.Morrissey@agriculture.ny.gov
Dave Bullard 315-487-7711 x 1377 Dave.Bullard@agriculture.ny.gov


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 20, 2015 — State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today warned consumers not to consume La Clarita Queseria Queso Fresco “Fresh Cheese” made by Queseria La Poblanita, Inc., 216 E. 117th St., New York, NY, 10035, due to possible Staphylococcus aureus contamination. To date, no illnesses are known by the Department of Agriculture and Markets to be associated with this product.

Soft Cheese Recalled in WA After Being Linked to 3 Listeria Cases

A Washington state company is recalling soft cheese products after being linked to 3 cases of Listeria monocytogenes infection. One of those cases was a death.

There have been a number of Listeria issues related to soft cheeses, especially in smaller companies who have entered into the cheese market. In this case, the company was started in the year 2000 (translated Website) and appears to have grown over time. With increasing popularity of Farmers' Markets, food entrepreneurs have found a entry channel to sell products, including soft cheeses. However, as with this case, careful attention to risk control must be made.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm430730.htm
Queseria Bendita LLC Recalls Fresh Cheeses and Sour Cream Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact: Consumer:  Sandra Aquilar 509-961-8949

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 16, 2015 — Queseria Bendita LLC of Yakima, Washington is recalling all lots of Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, Cotija fresh soft cheese products and Sour Cream to include those with best by dates up to 4/16/2015 because of a potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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.

Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, Cotija fresh soft cheese products and Sour Cream were distributed to Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon and the firm also sold products from its on-site store in Yakima, Washington.

Recall Summary for the 2014 Holiday Season

To catch up on the recalls over the holiday 12/23/14 to 1/4/15),  here is a quick summary (minus Carmel Apples)

1) First, there were ice cream recalls in ice cream products due to Listeria.  They are linked to one supplier, Snoqualmie Gourmet.
 
FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Full Tilt Ice Cream Recalls All Dairy Based Ice Cream Products Except Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts Because of Possible Health Risk

WA based company recalls ice cream due to Listeria. The product contained an ingredient that was recalled by another company.

FDA Recall Notice - 1/3/15
Pink’s Ice Cream Recalls All Ice Cream Flavors Except the Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Because of Possible Health Risk
This is another Washington based company recalling because of an ingredient was recalled.

FDA Recall Notice
Great Feeling Foods, LLC Recalls Groove Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk

FDA Recall Notice
Updated Release By Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Ice Cream, Gelato, Custard And Sorbet Because Of Possible Health Risk

 
2) Cheese products were also recalled due to Listeria.
One set was related to Bleating Heart Cheese.
 
FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls Cut, Wrapped and Weighed Bleating Heart-Brand Cheeses in Arizona, California and Hawaii Because of Possible Health Risk
"Whole Foods Market is recalling cheese sold in Arizona, California and Hawaii that came from its supplier Bleating Heart Cheeses because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes......"

And Bleating Heart Cheese is expanding their recall.
Bleating Heart Cheese Expanding Voluntary Recall To Include All Cheese Produced Between February 14, 2014 To September 19, 2014

And another recall was a raw milk cheddar product recalled in MI.
Farm Country Cheese House Recalls Raw Milk Cheddar Because Of Possible Contamination With Listeria Monocytogenes


3) There were two separate recalls of pet treats due to Salmonella.

FDA Recall Notice - 12/31/14
Jump Your Bones, Inc. Recalls Roo Bites (Cubes) Pet Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination
These pet treats are being recalled due to the potential to be contaminated by Salmonella.  No illnesses have been reported.

FDA Recall Notice - 12/24/14
Barkworthies® Issues Nationwide Recall of Chicken Vittles Dog Chews
This recall was initiated after CO Department of Ag found a sample positive for Salmonella.


4) And there was a recall of nut products due to the potential for Salmonella.

FDA Recall Notice 12/30/14
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Fisher Brand 8 oz. Chopped Walnuts and Fisher Brand 8 oz. Pecan Cookie Pieces Because of Possible Health Risk


5) A recall of Bruschetta due to the potential for glass.
American Roland Food Corp. Recalls Two Lots of Roland(R) Bruschetta

6) There were some allergen recalls as well for Hummus, Bread Crumbs, Superfoods Rice, and spice products.

Cheese Product Recalled Due to Low Preservative Levels

Kraft is recalling a small amount of cheese product due to the fact it did not contain a sufficient amount of the preservative, sorbic acid.  Sorbic acid is effective in preventing the growth of yeast and mold.  With inadequate amounts, there would be a greater chance that the product would spoil due to mold or yeast growing on the product during the expected shelf-life of the product.   By recalling this product, Kraft prevents a bigger issue down the road if there were to be numerous complaints of moldy product.

Could this be a safety issue....probably not since it is unlikely that people would eat cheese with mold on it, however some people can have allergic reactions to mold and some molds due produce mycotoxins (which can be harmful).


 FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm402337.htm
Kraft Foods Group Voluntarily Recalls Small Quantity of Velveeta Original Pasteurized Recipe Cheese Product Due to Low Levels of Preservative Ingredient

Contact
Consumer:  800-310-3704  news@kraftfoods.com
Media: Russ Dyer 847-646-4538

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 19, 2014- Kraft Foods Group is voluntarily recalling 260 cases of Velveeta Original Pasteurized Recipe Cheese Product because it does not contain appropriate levels of sorbic acid, a preservative ingredient. While unlikely, the affected product could spoil prematurely and/or lead to food borne illness. Therefore, the company is issuing this recall as a precaution.

This recall affects one batch of product made on one manufacturing line during a few hours of production. The product was shipped to three Walmart distribution centers and may have been redistributed to stores in up to 12 Midwest states. The affected products may have been shipped to Walmart stores in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. These products were not shipped outside of the U.S.

The following specific batch of product is being recalled:

Product Size	Name of Product	Units / Case	Case Code Date/Time Tange	Case UPC Code	Consumer Package Code Date/Time Range	Consumer Package UPC Code
32 OZ(2 LB)	VELVEETA ORIGINAL PASTEURIZED RECIPE CHEESE PRODUCT	12	17 DEC 2014 10:54 - 14:35 ONLY	10021000611611	17 DEC 2014 09:34 - 13:15 ONLY	021000611614

Consumers can find the case code date on the side of the package. No other products outside this time period on this case code date are affected by this recall, nor are any other Kraft or Velveeta products affected.

The affected product was identified during a review of finished product samples. The company is taking action to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Consumers who purchased any of these products should not eat them. They should return them to the store where they purchased them for an exchange or full refund. Consumers also can contact Kraft Foods Consumer Relations at 1-800-310-3704 between 9 am and 6 pm {Eastern).

NY Company recalls cheese spreads because of linkage to Parkers Farm product

Oscar's Smokehouse is recalling 11 cheese spreads due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria.  This recall is linked to the Parkers Farm recall in that this company used the Parkers Farm product as the base for making their products.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm390751.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Oscar’s Smokehouse, Inc. Recalls “Eleven Varieties (11) Of Cheese Spreads” Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
1-800-627-3431
Jerold Quintal
518-623-3431

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 26, 2014 - Oscars Smokehouse Inc. of Warrensburg, New York is recalling eleven (11) of its 7-oz. “CHEESE SPREADS” varieties marked with 3 digit lot numbers ranging from” 719-959” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes:

FDA Shuts Down Delaware Cheese Plant

FDA shut down the Roos Foods cheese plant, that had recently recalled product linked to a Listeria outbreak, after FDA found a number of findings in their investigation.
From the FDA report, the findings included:

• the roof leaking so badly that water was raining down into the cheese processing room, including onto the cheese processing equipment and storage tanks;
• standing water on the floor throughout the cheese curd processing room in proximity to the cheese vats and in the storage rooms;
• metal roof/ceiling and metal supports exhibiting a rusted appearance with metal flaking precluding effective cleaning and sanitizing;
• food residues found on equipment after cleaning had been performed;
• openings to milk storage tanks and transfer piping were not capped to prevent contaminants from entering or contaminating food contact surfaces; and
• floors, wall, and equipment that were deteriorated and in bad repair, including processing equipment and storage vats with rust holes and floors with rough concrete deterioration.

 

The conditions found in the inspection were sure issues for Listeria contamination....leaks contributing to excessive moisture into the processing environment and being a source of contamination, poor cleaning practices that allow for growth of Listeria within that environment, poor operating equipment that allows access of that contamination to the product, and finally the facility was in bad condition which prevented that contamination from being removed.  The

 

In short, Listeria contamination had access into the facility and to the product, the conditions within the plant supported growth of the organism and bad facility conditions prevented good cleanup.

 

It is also important to note that this is the second time that FDA used its new powers granted by FSMA to remove a facilities registration and thus shut down that facility.  The first case was the peanut butter facility that had Salmonella contamination.  After about a number of months of working with FDA, that peanut butter facility ended up closing for good.  If this is an indication, this cheese facility will have a long road to get to the point of reopening, if they survive at all.
.

FDA News Release

FDA Investigates presence of Listeria in some Hispanic-style Cheeses

http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm386726.htm

Posted March 12, 2014 

Español1

 UPDATE

The FDA suspended the food facility registration of Roos Foods Inc.2 of Kenton Delaware on March 11, 2014 after the FDA determined there was a reasonable probability of food manufactured, processed, packed, or held by Roos Foods causing serious adverse health consequences or death to humans.

The FDA ordered the suspension after an investigation by the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local partners linked a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis to cheeses found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and manufactured by the company. Food facility registration is required for any facility engaged in manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding food for consumption in the United States, and if the registration of a facility is suspended, no person shall introduce food from such facility into interstate or intrastate commerce in the United States. The FDA inspected the company’s facility from February 18 – March 4, 2014. During the inspection, FDA investigators found insanitary conditions including:

• the roof leaking so badly that water was raining down into the cheese processing room, including onto the cheese processing equipment and storage tanks;
• standing water on the floor throughout the cheese curd processing room in proximity to the cheese vats and in the storage rooms;
• metal roof/ceiling and metal supports exhibiting a rusted appearance with metal flaking precluding effective cleaning and sanitizing;
• food residues found on equipment after cleaning had been performed;
• openings to milk storage tanks and transfer piping were not capped to prevent contaminants from entering or contaminating food contact surfaces; and
• floors, wall, and equipment that were deteriorated and in bad repair, including processing equipment and storage vats with rust holes and floors with rough concrete deterioration.

Additionally, the FDA collected environmental samples from different areas of the facility, including the cheese processing room and various pieces of equipment. FDA's testing identified 12 swabs that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis showed that 11 of those swabs had the same Listeria monocytogenes "DNA-fingerprint" as the outbreak strain.

In response to evidence collected during the investigation by the FDA, CDC, and state officials, the state of Delaware’s Division of Public Health issued a Cease and Desist Production and Distribution order to the firm on February 28, 2014.

The FDA will vacate the suspension order and reinstate Roos Foods’ facility registration when the FDA determines that food manufactured, processed, packed, or held at the facility no longer has a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death to humans.

Roos Cheese Recall Expanded Again

Roos Foods is expanding the recall of their cheese products for the third time.   The initial recall was shortly followed by an expansion.  And within a week, it has been expanded yet again.

We have seen the 'ever-expanding recall' in the past when there is a Listeria contamination issue.   In these cases, company officials failed to understand the extent of the Listeria contamination in their plant and on their products.

 Listeria is an environmental contaminate for food processing plants.  Without control, or adequate control, it can really spread out across a facility, from floors and drains to processing and packaging equipment.  For facilities that manufacturer RTE meat and cheese products,  control is essential.  Part of a Listeria Control Program for a facility is monitoring.  This is done through testing for Listeria in the processing environment. 

When facilities have expanding recalls, it is often an indicator that they did not truly understand the extent of the contamination.  With a stout environmental testing program, they would have understood the extent of the contamination....well, hopefully they would have seen and corrected the issue long before it got to this point.

It is also important to note that the product this company produced had increased risk factors: 1) they were producing soft cheeses - items more prone to Listeria growth, and 2) they were  shipping these products long distances - which may provide more opportunities for temperature abuse and indicates that product has a longer shelf-life, which provides more opportunity for Listeria to grow.


FDA Recall Notice
UPDATE) EXPANDED - Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
302-653-0600
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 1, 2014 - Update: On February 23 and 25, 2014 Roos Foods issued press releases for the recall of our cheese products. This recall has been expanded to include all product sizes and containers of Santa Rosa de Lima Queso Duro Blando (hard cheese), and Mexicana Queso Cojito Molido. This update also serves as additional clarification that ALL sizes and containers of the cheese products previously identified are being recalled (Amigo, Anita, Mexicana, and Santa Rose de Lima brands of: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacer, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresco Round, and Queso Duro Viejo (hard cheeses), Requeson, Queso de Huerta and Quesco Fresco. These cheeses were packaged in various sized clear plastic wrapped Styrofoam trays, clear plastic wrapped, clear plastic vacuum package, and clear rigid plastic containers.

Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is voluntarily recalling the above products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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 still births among pregnant women.

Out of an abundance of caution, Roos Foods is also recalling all product sizes and containers of Santa Rosa de Lima Crema Salvadorena Cultured Sour Cream, Santa Rosa de Lima Mantequilla de Bolsa Tradicion Centroamericana, Crema Pura Mexicana Cultured Sour Cream, La Chapina Crema Guatemalteca Guatemalan Style Cream, and Amigo Brand Crema Centroamericana Cultured Sour Cream. These sour creams were packaged in various sized white plastic tubs, clear plastic bags, clear plastic pouches, and clear plastic jars.

Products were distributed through retail stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed brand named products. If you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number 302-653-0600, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST.

Virginia Mejia
Controller
Roos Foods
Kenton, DE 19955

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese

UPDATE - 2/25/14 - Roos Foods has expanded their recall.

Soft cheese made by a Delaware company has been linked to a Listeria outbreak, with one death and seven ill.  Product tested by VA Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  The company is recalling a variety of their cheeses.

Listeria monocytogenes has been related to other outbreaks in soft cheese.  This organism is more likely to cause illness in those from high risk groups, such as elderly, infants and young children, and pregnant women.  Once infected, the illness can be very serious, leading to septicemia (blood infection) and meningitis, and even death.

Roos Foods is a small family owned processor located in rural Kenton DE.  From the company website, the facility appears to be small.  They focus on producing South American type of cheeses. 



EXPANDED - Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 25, 2014 - Update: Roos Foods has voluntarily expanded their February 23, 2014 recall to include all lots of Amigo and Mexicana brands of Requesón (part-skim ricotta in 15 oz. and 16 oz. plastic containers and all lots of Amigo, Mexicana and Santa Rosa De Lima brands of Queso de Huerta (fresh curd cheese).

Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses:

Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk.

Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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. Products were distributed in Maryland, Virginia and Washing ton D.C through retail stores.

The products are packaged in flexible plastic bags and rigid plastic clam shell packages in 12 oz. and 16 oz. sizes under the brand names: Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima, and Anita.

As a follow-up to reported illness, samples of various intact/unopened cheeses produced or repacked by Roos Foods, Inc., collected by the Commonwealth of Virginia Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene found to contain Listeria monocytogenes which appear to be linked to the illnesses.

The company has ceased the production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Customers should destroy all lots of the above listed products of the brand names Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima and Anita. For any refund, please return recalled products to store.

If you have any further questions please contact Virginia Mejia phone number (302) 653-8458. Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 3 pm EST.

FDA News Release
Roos Foods Voluntarily Recalls Variety of Cheeses (listed below) Due to Possible Health Risk
Roos Foods, Kenton De Recalls ALL LOTS of the Following Cheeses Mexicana: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Amigo: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses; Santa Rosa De Lima: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacera, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresca Round, Queso Dura Viejo Hard Cheeses and Anita Queso Fresco Because Of Possible Health Risk

Contact
Media:
Virginia Mejia
302-653-8458

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 23, 2014 – Roos Foods of Kenton, DE is recalling the above cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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.

Cheese recalled after it was linked to illness

UPDATE - April 4, 2014, CDC issued Notes from Field report.


Whole Foods is recalling Crave Brothers Les Frères cheese in response to a recall issued by the manufacturer, Crave Brothers, when their cheese was linked with 5 illnesses and one death.

 According to the company website, the type of cheese, Les Freres, is a semi-soft cheese.  

(http://www.cravecheese.com/our-cheese.php?Cheesecyclopedia-5)

Description
This European style farmstead cheese was developed with great care to reflect the Crave Brothers' Irish-French heritage. This one-of-a-kind washed-rind cheese has an earthy, mushroomy, fruity flavor and a creamy texture that is softer than Brie and has a nutty aftertaste. It is available in a small version-- Le Petit Frère®.

Appearance
It has a light-colored paste that does not become too runny, and holds its shape well.

Texture
Semi-soft.

Flavor
It is a rich, rind washed cheese with an earthy, fruity flavor. It has just a mildly mushroomy appeal.

The product sold at Whole Foods was packaged pre-cut wedges. Crave Brothers is also recalling - Les Frères (LF225 2/2.5#) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in white plastic with a green and gold label; Petit Frère (PF88 8/8 oz) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes; and Petit Frère with Truffles (PF88T 8/8 oz) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes.

FDA News Release
Whole Foods Market Recalls Cheese Because of Possible Health Riskhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm359697.htm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 5, 2013 -Whole Foods Market announces that it is recalling Crave Brothers Les Frères cheese in response to a recall by the Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Company of Waterloo, Wisconsin. The cheese is being recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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. To date, one illness and one death have been reported. Crave Brothers was informed by regulatory agencies of an ongoing investigation related to potential health risks associated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company immediately ceased the production and distribution of the products.

Ricotta Cheese recallsed due to link to Listeria outbreak

 Ricotta cheese is being recalled due to it may be linked to 14 cases of listeriosis that were reported in 11 different states.

Forever Cheese Inc. announces recall due to possible listeria contamination
Washington Post 9/11/12http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/forever-cheese-inc-announces-recall-due-to-possible-listeria-contamination/2012/09/11/8783002c-fc52-11e1-98c6-ec0a0a93f8eb_story.html

DENVER — Forever Cheese Inc. is recalling Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese with the lot number T9425 and production code 441202 due to possible listeria contamination.

Colorado health department officials said Tuesday that 14 reported illnesses in 11 states, including one in Colorado, may be linked to the cheese.

Forever Cheese, based in Long Island City, N.Y., says the cheese was sold to distributors for retailers and restaurants in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C., between June 20 and Aug. 9.

In Colorado, the cheese was shipped between July 12 and Aug. 2 to Whole Foods’ Bel-Mar, Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek, Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch, Pearl Street, Southglenn, Superior, Tamarac and Washington Park stores.

French cheese linked to a case of listeriosis

An elderly Pennsylvania man was stricken with listerosis after eating a high-priced soft cheese imported from France.  Whole Foods is recalling the cheese baring thier own label.

Interesting is the fact that Whole Foods looks to have cut and repackaged the cheese which begs the question...where did the contamination occur - was it present in the original package, or did the cheese become contaminated during repackaging?  Additionally, the article stated that the cheese product was slow moving in regard to retail sales, which means that it would have given more time for Listeria to grow.  Listeria, as we know, grows at refrigeration temperatures, although slowly.


Whole Foods recalls contaminated cheese
Man seriously ill after consuming tainted product from East Liberty grocer
July 13, 2012 12:08 am

By David Templeton / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A pricey French cheese sold at Whole Foods Market in East Liberty is being recalled more than a month after a 69-year-old Westmoreland County man grew seriously ill from listeriosis, a food-borne bacterial infection.

The man fell ill June 7 and was hospitalized after eating Jean Perrin Edel de Cleron cheese -- a soft, pasteurized cow's milk French cheese that sells for about $25 a pound. The man continues to recover in a rehabilitation center, said Guillermo Cole, Allegheny County Health Department spokesman.

On Thursday, the health department and Whole Foods Market announced the recall of the cheese, which was cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap bearing a Whole Foods Market scale label and code beginning with 293351. The cheese was sold between May 20 and July 3.

The recall didn't occur until more than a month after the man fell ill, Mr. Cole said, because it took time for him to be diagnosed and then to get positive test results on foods he had consumed with follow-up efforts to test samples from the market where he purchased the cheese.

"It required some medical detective work," Mr. Cole said.

The store is offering full refunds for the cheese. The health department said customers who purchased it from the market during that time period should either dispose of it in the garbage or return it to the store. Those who touch the cheese should wash their hands immediately afterward to avoid cross-contamination. The store also has posted signs in the store to notify customers of the recall.

The store and health department are working to ensure that no cross-contamination occurred and that equipment and utensils used in cutting, weighing or packaging the cheese isn't contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes listeriosis.

The illness primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns. Such infections, caused by consumption of food contaminated with the bacterium, can be serious and possibly fatal.

Anyone who consumed the cheese should seek medical help if the individual has diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness followed by fever and muscular aches.

Customers who have the recalled product may contact the health department at 412-687-2243 (ACHD) and arrange to have the cheese tested.

The health department declined to identify the ill man. Mr. Cole said the man represents the only one affected by the contamination to date. The cheese that the man purchased tested positive for the bacterium, as did samples of the cheese taken at the store.

On the upside, Mr. Cole said, the price of the cheese meant that not a large quantity had been sold.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/health/whole-foods-recalls-contaminated-cheese-644522/#ixzz20W0tMurV

Food Safety and Small Companies

by Martin Bucknavage

Three recent food safety issues have been noted in the press (links to related articles below each).

·         FDA, CDC, and Costco warn consumers to avoid Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese

FDA, CDC, and Costco warn consumers to avoid Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese

·         Baugher's apple cider recalled over potential E. coli

DHMH Issues Consumer Alert Regarding Recall of Baugher's Apple Cider

·         Texas produce supplier, Sanger, and listeriosis

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases/20101020.shtm

The first is an aged raw milk cheese made by a small company and distributed by Costco linked to E.coli.  The second is a small cider mill making unpasteurized cider linked to E. coli, and lastly, last month’s case of Listeria related illness linked to chopped celery.

What is interesting in these cases is that they are all small, regional companies who have experienced issues, and were then written-up by the press. Two of the companies have nice websites that give you a positive impression of the company. (Bravo Farms http://www.bravofarms.com/, Baugher’s http://www.baughers.com/farm.html).  The third was shut down.

Here are some items to note:

1)     There is much attention  on outbreaks related to large companies, but even small companies can, and will, have issues. (as in the insurance commercial – mayhem can happen – as a result from the smallest distraction or oversight).  Further, small companies no longer fly under the radar of the investigations, or the press.  With enhanced capabilities, local and state health agencies in conjunction with the CDC can track event the smallest outbreaks to the source.  Therefore, companies of all sizes must have necessary food safety policies and procedures in place, records to show they are being completed, and verification procedures, such as testing, to show their success.

2)     Retailers looking to find small niche products must know their potential suppliers capabilities before they begin selling these products.  There is a trend for retailers, looking to enhance their offerings, to find small companies making unique products, similar to Costco selling Bravo Farm products.  Diligence must be taken to ensure these smaller suppliers have robust quality and food safety systems.

3)     Consumers should not assume that local product is free of risk just because it is local.  If a consumer buys unpasteurized apple juice, there is an increased risk over pasteurized product.

4)     There is help available through associations, government agencies (USDA’s Small and Very Small Plant Outreach), and the Universities (Cooperative Extension and PennTAP) to assist with training and development.