Listeria Contamination Prompts Cheese Recall
A cheese recall is being issued by Azteca Linda Corporation over concerns of Listeria contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Brookly, New York company is recalling the following cheeses after the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria was found from environmental samples at the cheese processing facility:
- Queso Fresco (fresh white cheese) in a hard plastic container with UPC code: UPC 0 23986 92692 8
- Queso Hebra (fresh white string cheese) in a vacuum sealed plastic bag
The cheeses have a July 7 expiration date. The cheeses could potentially be contaminated with a harmful pathogen called Listeria monocytogenes and were distributed to retail stores throughout New York state in:
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Staten Island
- Bronx
- Newburgh
- and Bayonne, New Jersey
Listeria and Listeriosis Symptoms, Risks and Complications
Listeria infections, known as listeriosis, can be severely harmful in children, the elderly, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women. It can cause stillbirth or miscarriage in pregnant women even if the mother’s symptoms are mild. Symptoms may begin in a flu-like manner, with gastrointestinal effects, and can worsen. People who think they may have contracted a listeriosis infection should see a doctor immediately.
Listeria Spinach Recall of Several Brands in Several States
Listeria contamination has prompted a fresh spinach recall by Lancaster Foods, LLC, of Jessup, Maryland, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The spinach Listeria recall includes fresh spinach packages with “best enjoyed by” dates of June 19, 2010 through June 27, 2010. The recalled spinach was sold in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia under the following brand names:
- Krisp-Pak
- Lancaster Fresh
- Giant
- America’s Choice
The recall is being issued after the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Food & Drug Protection Division (NCAGR) found that a sample of the product was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers who have the recalled spinach should NOT eat the spinach and try to save the package and report it to Lancaster Foods. Those who think they may have contracted a Listeria infection (listeriosis) from the spinach should visit the doctor immediately and get tested for the pathogen.
Lancaster Foods Listeria Spinach Recall Product Details
| Bag UPC Code | Product Description | Oz | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33383 | 65201 | Krisp-Pak Hydro-Cooled Fresh Spinach, Best Enjoyed by 19 JUN 10 thru 27 Jun 10 | 10 oz |
| 13055 | 01145 | Lancaster Fresh, Triple Washed, All Natural, Curly Leaf Spinach, Best Enjoyed by 19 JUN 10 thru 27 JUN 10 | 8, 10, and 12 oz |
| 88267 | 09813 | Giant, Fresh Spinach, Best Enjoyed by 19 JUN 10 thru 27 JUN 10 | 10 oz |
| 54807 | 76060 | America’s Choice, Spinach, Cold Water Washed, Best Enjoyed by 19 Jun 10 thru 27 Jun | 10 oz |
Listeria and Listeriosis Infections, Complications and Symptoms
Listeria is a foodborne pathogen that can temporarily sicken healthy individuals who may only experience mild symptoms. However, listeriosis can be extremely harmful and even deadly in young children, the elderly, and pregnant women. It can cause miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women and the mother may not even experience severe symptoms.
