NY Creamery is Recalling Soft Cheese Products After Positive Listeria Tests

UPDATE - 3/8/17  Whole food recalls cheese supplied by Vulto Creamery.

A NY company is recalling its soft raw milk cheeses after FDA and NY Department of Ag and Markets found that product may be possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

A look through the company's Facebook page gives an idea of the facility.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm545289.htm
Vulto Creamery Issues Voluntary Recall of All Soft, Wash-Rind Raw Milk Cheeses Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
March 7, 2017

Ready-made Salads Recalled Due to Potential Listeria Contamination of Cheese Ingredient

Ready Pac's three production facilities (CA, GA, NJ) are recalling one type of salad due to the potential for Listeria in the Pepper Jack Cheese Ingredient that was used in the salad.  The company stated the recall was conducted after they were notified by their cheese supplier of the issue.  The name of the cheese company was not made available in the release.


USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-015-2017-release
Ready Pac Foods Inc. Recalls Chicken Salad Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 015-2017
Health Risk: High Feb 22, 2017

Congressional and Public Affairs Kristen Booze (202) 720-9113 Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2017 – Three Ready Pac Foods Inc. establishments, located in Swedesboro, N.J., in Jackson, Ga., and the headquarters establishment in Irwindale, Calif., are recalling approximately 59,225 pounds of one variety of chicken salad product that may be adulterated withListeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

PA Cheese Company Receives FDA Warning Letter - More Listeria Control Improvement Needed

In September '16, a Pennsylvania cheese company issued a recall after product was found to contain Listeria.  In December, after FDA audited the firm, FDA issued a  consumer warning against consuming product from this company.   This week, FDA issued a Warning Letter to the company in response to how the company fixed (?) the issues.

From the company responses as written in this Warning Letter, the company does not understand the fundamentals of Listeria control.  As we have seen in so many cheese-related Listeria outbreaks, the lack of control can lead to serious consequences.  Hopefully, this company is not back into production.  These owners need to get some real education on Listeria control.

FDA findings, Company Response, FDA Response, Notes

Environmental swabs 18 of 50 positive for LM

3 of those positive samples were from food contact surfaces
 - The top of the cheese slicer
 - The cheese slicer string
 - The inside of a plastic crate used to store finished cheese before packaging
One positive product sample  - RTE feta cheese (FDA sample 969273).

1. There were a number of GMP violations found in the audit and addressed within the response.

, - the lift arm and bowl support brackets of the (b)(4) mixer contained areas which appeared to be rusted and contained rough surfaces. 

 - the beater shaft housing area of the (b)(4) mixer, directly above the bowl support brackets, was observed to contain areas which appeared to be rusted and contain food particulates and/or foreign matter. These areas are in close proximity and/or directly adjacent to food contact surfaces
 - The floors in the processing room and walk-in cooler were observed to be in disrepair, containing areas where the concrete is cracked, rough, and peeling [see 21 CFR 110.20(b)(4)]. 

The company responded that they were doing the following.

a) A floor mop is now being used to clean the production floor.
b) (b)(4) is used to clean and sanitize the cheese cloths.
c) An apparatus has been purchased for storage of production equipment.
d) The production area hose is hung up and off the floor.
e) The office area has been cleaned.
f) The (b)(4) mixer has been cleaned, and the rusted surfaces have been repaired.
g) The floors of the processing room and walk-in cooler have been repaired.

FDA indicated that they will review these changes upon re-inspection, 

Note - FDA did not ask the company for verification support to show that these changes had any impact on the Listeria contamination in the facility  I see some issues here in the company responses 1) a floor mop to clean the production floor - really?  That is more likely to spread Listeria - basically a contaminated swab...a very large swab.  2) How were the floors repaired? 3) How did they change their cleaning procedures - both daily for equipment and procedures for the facility?

2. Another area for concern was pest control.  FDA listed these issues.

a) Greater than twenty flies landing on the floor, food processing equipment, food processing utensils, and other food contact surfaces and non-food contact surfaces.
b) Three fly catcher tapes containing multiple flies hanging in different areas of the processing room.
c) Dead flies on the window sills near the batch pasteurizer and three bay sink areas.

The company responded that the company 'installed “new fly catcher tapes . . . and will purchase a fly zapper.”   FDA rightly noted that this corrective action is "inadequate because it does not prevent insects and/or other pests from entering the facility and does not address why the insects have entered your facility. The regulation at issue requires that pests be prevented from entering any area of a food plant and does not permit that pests be killed in close proximity of food production areas."

Note - Fly tape as a corrective action?  Seriously? Who uses fly tape in a food production facility?

In the third item, FDA noted in their inspection that the grounds in which the facility was located had some major issues.

a) Live chickens and pigs coming within approximately one foot of the main door to the production facility and what appeared to be remnants of dead chickens and goats in close proximity to the production facility.
b) Multiple items within approximately twenty feet of the outside perimeter to your production facility which may constitute an attractant, breeding place, and harborage areas for pests, including, but not limited to, a chicken coop, an abandoned truck, a small four-wheeled loader, wood paneling, vegetation over six feet tall, and other small items which appear to be refuse.

The company's response stated that that they cleaned the area and added stone along the drive. However, they did not address the livestock and other animals in proximity to the production area and how those animals would be maintained. The company did not confirm that each item observed around the perimeter of your facility was addressed and corrected for FDA review.

Note - The company does not seem to understand the impact of contamination control from the grounds and the animals on those grounds.  This is not only a concern for Listeria, but also for Salmonella and STEC E.coli.

FDA Warning Lettershttps://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2017/ucm541240.htm
Apple Tree Goat Dairy 2/10/17

Cheese Re-packer Recalls Cheese With Potential Listeria Contamination.

The cheese re-packer involved in the recent cheese-Listeria recall is expanding their recall.  MDS foods posted a recall of cheese they packed for Deutsch Kase Haus on 2/11/17,  but as could have been predicted, MDS expanded their recall due to the potential for cross-contamination within their facility.  So a long list of cheese is being recalled by MDS to include cheese made by Deutsch Kase Haus as well as other cheese packed in their facility.  As was stated earlier, the State of Tennessee initially found Listeria in DKH product re-packed by MDS.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm542407.htm
MDS Foods Inc, of Massillon, OH is Expanding the Current Recall to include Products Identified by Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC of Middlebury, Indiana from their 02/15/2017 Product Recall
For Immediate Release
February 17, 2017

Cheese Recall Due to Potential Listeria Contamination Continues to Cascade

The list of recalls linked to the Deutsch Kase Haus recall continue to grow.

February 16, 2017
Saputo Inc. Recalls Certain Gouda Cheese Products Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes
Saputo Inc. (Saputo), is voluntarily recalling certain Gouda cheese products in the United States after having been notified by Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC of Middlebury, Indiana that some specialty Gouda cheese products that it supplied to Saputo’s Green Bay, Wisconsin facility may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm542225.htm

February 14, 2017
Guggisberg Cheese, Inc. Recalls Various Colby Type Cheeses due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Out of an abundance of caution and with an emphasis on its customers’ wellness and safety, Guggisberg Cheese Inc. is recalling various types of Colby type cheeses and sizes due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.
The affected products were manufactured both by Guggisberg Cheese, Inc. and by Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC under the Guggisberg label. No illnesses have been reported to date.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm541732.htm

Biery Cheese Company Recalls Various Types Of Specialty Longhorn Colby Cheeses Due To Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
February 16, 2017
Biery Cheese Co. is voluntarily recalling specialty Longhorn Colby cheese due to potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.
On 02-15-17 the firm was notified by Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC of Middlebury, IN that they supplied Biery Cheese with various type cheeses that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported to date.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm542271.htm

From February 14, 2017 on this site:

More Cheese Products Recalled Due to Supplier of Colby Cheese Recall
Two firms are calling cheese-stuffed mushroom products for the potential to be contaminated by Listeria. All traces back to the recall by the Indiana supplier, Deutsch Kase Haus, after their Colby cheese product was found to be positive for Listeria.

From February 12. 2017 on this site which details initial recall
Sargento, Mijer and Sara Lee Recall Colby Cheese Products After Supplier Discovers Listeria Contamination Issue

More Cheese Products Recalled Due to Supplier of Colby Cheese Recall

Two firms are calling cheese-stuffed mushroom products for the potential to be contaminated by Listeria.  All traces back to the recall by the Indiana supplier, Deutsch Kase Haus, after their Colby cheese product was found to be positive for Listeria.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm541436.htm
Country Fresh Recalls Various Cooking And Snacking Products Due To Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2017

Chicken and Pork Salad Products Recalled Due to Potentially Listeria Contaminated Cheese Ingredient

Taylor Farms is recalling its Chicken and Pork Salad products after they were notified by the supplier of the cheese ingredients, Sargento, that the cheese has the potential to have Listeria contamination. This recall is part of the Colby Cheese recall which originated with the recall by the supplier of Colby cheese to Sargento.

USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-012-2017-release
Taylor Farms Recalls Chicken and Pork Salad Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 012-2017
Health Risk: High
Feb 11, 2017

Sargento, Mijer and Sara Lee Recall Colby Cheese Products After Supplier Discovers Listeria Contamination Issue

Sargento, Meijer and Sara Lee are recalling their branded Colby cheese products after their Indiana-based supplier of  Colby, Deutsch Kase Haus, notified them of a potential Listeria contamination issue. There have not been any reported illnesses.

The recall began when the Tennessee Department of Agriculture sampled one of brands where the source was from Deutsch Kase Haus, but went through a middleman packaging operation,  MDS Food manufacturing facility in Tennessee.  It will be interesting to see if this contamination originated at teh MDS facility.  At the least, this MDS facility would need to worry about the fact that cross contamination could be an issue in that facility.  And while they recalled the Colby cheese product produced on the same line, to what degree do they need to worry about other cheese packed in that facility.

In general, the more post-process handling and processing that occurs,such as wtih slicing and packaging, the more opportunity there is for Listeria contamination.

Indianapolis Star

http://www.indystar.com/story/money/2017/02/10/sargento-recalls-cheese-indiana-based-supplier/97769292/
Sargento, Meijer recall cheese from Indiana-based manufacturer
Holly V. Hays , holly.hays@indystar.com Published 8:35 p.m. ET Feb. 10, 2017 | Updated 6:57 a.m. ET Feb. 11, 2017

FDA Advisory Against Eating Cheese from PA Goat Cheese Operation

FDA is advising consumers not to eat cheese from a PA firm due to Listeria.  The issue was discovered when "Apple Tree recalled four lots of products manufactured in March and July 2016 on September 20, 2016, after samples of these lots collected by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes". FDA conducted an inspection, and in addition to finding unsanitary conditions, they found Listeria in the environment and the finished product."

Apple Tree Goat Dairy is a family run operation that focuses on boutique / small lot production of organic cheeses.  And while it is easy to get caught up in the mystique of this type of operation, issues can occur.  Just like the Chipotle case, firms dealing with food still must execute on the fundamentals. That includes understanding the risks, putting in controls for those risks, monitoring those controls, and verifying that they work.  This is all part of the craft..it is not just making products, but making products in a safe and sanitary fashion.  And for a cheese operation, that means controlling Listeria.

We see this all too often with food entrepreneurs...they have a great idea on making a product, but never make sufficient effort to learn the fundamentals of food safety and sanitation.  The microorganisms don't care if is organic, family run operation or even a multi-billion dollar facility...if these organisms are not controlled, they will infiltrate and establish themselves in the facility and potentially the product.

FDA Advisory
http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm531535.htm
FDA Advises Consumers Not to Eat Apple Tree Goat Dairy Goat Cheese Products Because of Possible Listeria Contamination
Products Test Positive for Listeria Monocytogenes
December 2, 2016

Cheese Company Owner Sentenced 15 Months in Prison for Shipping Listeria Contaminated Cheese

The owner of a cheese company was sentenced to 15months in prison for knowingly shipping Listeria contaminated cheese.  The issue started in 2014 when Virginia regulatory officials found Listeria in the company's cheese products.   This triggered an FDA investigation which found numerous unsanitary conditions and additional products with Listeria.  While the owner agreed to clean his operation and recall product, he still went ahead and shipped product.

WFTV.com
http://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-man-gets-15-months-for-selling-south-american-cheese-products-tainted-with-listeria/467770021
Florida man gets 15 months for selling South American cheese products tainted with listeria
Updated: Nov 16, 2016 - 11:36 AM

Grated Cheese Recalled After Sample Tests Positive for Salmonella

 A Brooklyn company, 4C Foods, is recalling grated cheese after FDA product testing found a sample to be positive for Salmonella.  There have not been any reported illnesses.

FoxNews.com

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/11/17/4c-foods-corp-recalls-grated-cheeses-over-salmonella-risk.html

4C Foods Corp. recalls grated cheeses over salmonella risk

Published November 17, 2016

Michigan Cheese Company Recalls Cheese Due to Supplier Listeria Issues

 A Michigan company, Kuster's is recalling its institutional sized shredded, sliced and cubed cheese after the company was notified by their supplier, Farm Country Cheese, that there is the potential for Listeria contamination.

 

Farm County Cheese is no large industrial processor, quite the opposite.  From the Farm County Cheese website:

Tradition ~ Heritage ~ Community

For over 25 years, Farm Country Cheese House has worked in partnership with our local Amish community to create fresh, antibiotic-free, artisanal cheeses. Located in Lakeview, Michigan (northeast of Grand Rapids), we are proud of the “family” of Amish farmers and workers who make up the majority of our staff. Our culture is supportive and kind, and we work together to bring the highest-quality and freshest cheese to you, our consumer.

Our cheeses are pure, simple, and clean. We use milk made by cows on our local Amish dairy farms, and follow Amish traditions and practices. Because the health and comfort of the cows is a top priority, the small dairy farms that we work with raise herds of only 4 to 20 cows, where each cow is hand-milked twice daily. In the operation of our equipment and business, we use minimal amounts of electricity, which is supplied to us by an electric cooperative.

Sounds great, but if this is your supplier, are they controlling for Listeria?  How about a FSMA required Supplier Preventive Control.
 

FDA Recall Notice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm525054.htm

Kuster's, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Product Because Of Possible Health Risk

For Immediate Release

October 12, 2016

Goat Cheese Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Sample

 A small Pennsylvania goat cheese manufacturer is recalling goal cheese products after PA Dept of Ag tested and found Listeria in the product.   No illnesses have been reported.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm521592.htm
Apple Tree Goat Dairy Recalls Four Goat Cheeses Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
September 20, 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

Maytag Cheese Recall Expanded to 35 Production Lots

 Maytag Dairy is expanding their cheese recall to a new total of 35 lots. 
Their first recall on February 14th was for 1 lot after testing found a Listeria was found during routine testing.  Then a recall announcement on February 19th, expanded the recall to 5 lots.  Then on the February 26nd, the recall was expanded to 35 lots.

 
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm488124.htm
Maytag Dairy Farms Expands Voluntary Recall Of Blue Cheese Products Due To Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2016

Cheese Processor Expands Recall of Cheese with Potential for Listeria

Maytag Dairy Farms expanded its recall to include additional lots of cheese that may be contaminated with Listeria.  This initial recall, posted on February 14th, was expanded to one other lot on February 18th and then additional lots were added to the recall on February 19th.  

Unfortunately, this issue, the expanding recall or recall creep, has been seen with other Listeria related recalls.  It starts when a lot of product is recalled in reaction to a Listeria positive sample - it could be product or product contact sample. But once the regulatory folks start poking around, the realization comes that the company does not have a solid understanding of how well they are controlling Listeria.  This is not to say they were not doing Listeria testing,  but the testing program was not providing sufficient data to establish a sense of control.

On the other hand, there are examples of companies who have had recalls, but upon analysis of their faculties, the assessment is made that the positive sample was a aberration based on a solid Listeria control program (sanitation SSOPs, process control, and verification testing.)

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm487040.htm
Maytag Dairy Farms Voluntarily Recalls Blue Cheese Products Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 19, 2016

Wood In Cheese? Not really.

A story on the web has raised an issue - wood in cheese, and this is resulting in more fear mongering than something for concern. The story states that there is wood in cheese and then uses a 2012 case of food fraud with cheese to make the point.

First, while cellulose is found in trees, it is also found in all plant tissue including fruits and vegetables. In cheese, powdered cellulose is used as an anti-clumping agent and is / should be declared on the label when used. In the end, grated cheese manufactures are not putting wood in cheese, it is powered cellulose, and this is 'generally recognized as safe' , or GRAS....but not grass (humor). Powdered cellulose is a good material for use as an anti-clumping agent in grated cheese - it provides stability of both the oil and water phases of the cheese.

According to the Bloomberg report, they tested a number of cheeses and found that some had higher levels of cellulose than the 2 to 4% that is normally used. As far as I can find, there is no established limit for powdered cellulose in cheese listed in the Code of Federal Regulations. In their investigation, some cheese samples were up to 7 or 8% cellulose. If true, that would be high, but this was not a scientific, peer reviewed study.

The 2012 case was that of a PA manufacturer of cheese who was using cheaper cheeses to make grated parmesan cheese. This is a no no. The manufacturer went out of the business in 2014 and according to reports, "Castle President Michelle Myrter is scheduled to plead guilty this month to criminal charges. She faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine." This cheese is no longer on the market, so no need to rifle through your refrigerator in search of fake parmesan from this company.

No doubt, food fraud is a big issue. Olive oil is the poster child for food fraud. With cheese, hopefully manufacturers are using powdered cellulose prudently, but in the end, it is just fiber (pun intended...now that is humor). But if you are worried about it, the solution is easy...grind your own cheese. You will have a better product and you will save the earth from excess packaging.

Bloomberg News
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-16/the-parmesan-cheese-you-sprinkle-on-your-penne-could-be-wood
The Parmesan Cheese You Sprinkle on Your Penne Could Be Wood
Some brands promising 100 percent purity contained no Parmesan at all.
 Lydia Mulvany lydiamulvany
February 16, 2016 — 5:00 AM EST

Blue Cheese Recalled for Listeria

An Iowa cheese maker is recalling its Raw Milk Blue Cheese after the Iowa Department of Ag discovered Listeria during routine testing.  The facility is recalling on lot, produced on January 6th (over one month ago).  There have been no reported illnesses.

An issue that can be seen in these cases is that when one lot is contaminated with Listeria, there is always a good chance that other lots can potentially be contaminated, especially if the facility does not have good environmental controls for Listeria in place.

Newtown Daily News
http://www.newtondailynews.com/2016/02/14/maytag-dairy-farms-announces-listeria-recall/ahwo2zy/
Maytag Dairy farms announces listeria recall
Fareway of Newton had some blue cheese from lot; Hy-Vee did not
Published: Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 9:34 p.m. CST • Updated: Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 9:39 p.m. CST

Maytag Dairy Farms of Newton announced a voluntary recall Saturday of an 896-pound of blue cheese due to possible listeria contamination.

The foodmaker announced lot number 150481 of Maytag Raw Milk Blue Cheese could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled product was packaged on Jan. 6 and was then distributed to several locations in central Iowa.

Whole Foods Roquefort Cheese Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Sample

Whole Foods is recalling Papillon Organic Roquefort Cheese after FDA sampling found the whole uncut wheels of cheese positive for Salmonella.

Papillon is a brand of cheese made in France and imported into the US.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm466185.htm
Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls All Cut, Wrapped And Weighed Papillon Organic Roquefort Cheeses Because Of Possible Health Risk

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.