1400 pounds of cheese recalled over possible listeria infection: Here are the affected products

The FDA issued a recall on 1400 pounds of cheese over possible contamination that could have health risks. Here's everything you should know.

Urgent recall issued on 1400 pounds of cheese over serious health risks
© Jessica Tan/UNSPLASH
Urgent recall issued on 1400 pounds of cheese over serious health risks

Attention cheese lovers! Cooperstown Cheese Company, based in Milford, NY, is facing a product recall for approximately 1400 pounds of cheese sold between June 21, 2023, and July 10, 2023.

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The recall was initiated due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous organism that can lead to severe health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Here are the affected products

The products subject to this recall are diverse and have been distributed throughout New York State via farmers markets, restaurants, and retail stores. If you've recently purchased cheese from Cooperstown Cheese Company during the specified period, be aware that it might be contaminated. The products have varying names and packaging depending on where they were sold:

Retail stores

If purchased from a retail store, the cheese might be repackaged and wrapped in cellophane, cheese paper, or vacuum-sealed. The affected products are labeled as:

  • Jersey Girl
  • Toma Celena
  • Abbie

Farmers markets

At farmers markets, the cheese is usually wrapped in cheese paper or plastic and go by the names:

  • Jersey Girl
  • Toma Celena
  • SK
  • Jersey Gold
  • Marielle
  • Jersey Girl with garlic/rosemary
  • Jersey Girl spring onion
  • Bobby’s got the Blues
  • Toma Torino
  • Jersey Gold with garlic
  • Abbie

Restaurants:

In restaurants, you might find the affected cheese labeled as

  • Jersey Girl
  • Toma Celena

What are the health risks?

The main concern behind this recall is the potential contamination of the cheese with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can poseserious health risks, especially to certain vulnerable groups. The following individuals are at a higher risk of severe infections:

  • Young children
  • Frail or elderly people
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems

Even though healthy individuals might experience only short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, pregnant womenare at particular risk. Listeria infection in pregnant women can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.

It is essential for anyone who has consumed the affected cheese and is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above to seek immediate medical attention.

What to do if you've purchase an affected product

If you have purchased any of the products listed above from Cooperstown Cheese Company between June 21, 2023, and July 10, 2023, take the following steps:

Examine the labels on the cheese packaging carefully to confirm if it matches any of the recalled products. For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, do not consume the cheese if it falls under the recall.

If you have any of the affected cheese in your possession, return it immediately to the store or place where you purchased it for a full refund.

As stated by the FDA:

The company has ceased production as they and FDA continue to investigate the problem.

Sources used:

FDA announcement

Massive cheese recall issued over listeria infection, here are all the affected products Massive cheese recall issued over listeria infection, here are all the affected products