Ricotta Salata Frescolina recalled, may be linked to multistate Listeria outbreak
New York based Forever Cheese inc. is recalling all Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand, Forever Cheese due to the potential for contamination with the bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes.
Image/FDA
The recall affects Forever Cheese lot # T9425 and/or production code 441202, from one specific production date coded 441202 on the original wheel.
The above product may be linked to a multistate Listeria outbreak involving at least 14 reported illnesses in 11 states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the potential for contamination was noted after illness was reported in connection with eating cheese.
According to an FDA Firm Press Release Monday, the cheese was sold to distributors for retailers and restaurants in CA, CO, D.C., FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MT, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, VA, WA between June 20 and August 9, 2012. Products were sold to supermarkets, restaurants and wholesale distributors.
If you believe that you have purchased any of this cheese please contact your distributor or retailer for a full refund. If you have any questions please call Forever Cheese (888)930-8693, contact Jeff DiMeo from 9 am – 5pm EST and mention Recall.
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.
[…] A multistate outbreak of listeriosis resulted in 22 illnesses and four deaths in 2012. The outbreak was linked to Forever Cheese Frescolina Marte brand ricotta salata cheese. […]