Wisconsin cheesemaker recalls specialty cheese products due to multistate Listeria outbreak
Waterloo, Wisconsin cheese producer, Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Company, issued a a voluntary recall for three specialty cheese products while regulatory agencies continue a multi-state investigation of Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall comes after reports of several illnesses, plus one fatality, in four states–Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, according to a Food Safety News report yesterday.
The affected products in the recall include:
- 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.
- Petit Frère with Truffles (PF88T 8/8 oz) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes.
These products were distributed nationwide through retail and foodservice outlets as well as by mail orders.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, two people in Minnesota so far have become ill. Both were older adults. They became ill in early June. Both were hospitalized and one died.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting at least one Illinois resident reported becoming ill after eating the cheese in mid-May.
The people who became ill ranged in age from 31 to 67 and were diagnosed between May 20 and June 17, the FDA said.
One case in a pregnant woman resulted in a miscarriage, the FDA said.
State health departments are advising the public who may have purchased Crave Brothers Farmstead Classics dispose of the above cheeses.
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.
“We are cooperating with the regulatory agencies’ ongoing investigation of the cause of the potential health risks,” said George Crave, president.
Listeriosis, a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is an important public health problem. The disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. However, rarely, persons without these risk factors can also be affected.
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged not to consume them. They can return the cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard it. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 920-478-4887, Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
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