LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — Mecox Bay Dairy recalled its brand of Sunrise cheese in an effort to contain a listeria outbreak. According to foodpoisoningbulletin.com, the Mecox Bay Dairy identified its “Mecox Sunrise,” washed-rind Tomme product. Although Mecox Bay Dairy has not learned of any illnesses caused by the listeria contamination. The Mecox Bay Dairy asserts […]
Cheese listeria threat
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — Mecox Bay Dairy recalled its brand of Sunrise cheese in an effort to contain a listeria outbreak. According to foodpoisoningbulletin.com, the Mecox Bay Dairy identified its “Mecox Sunrise,” washed-rind Tomme product. Although Mecox Bay Dairy has not learned of any illnesses caused by the listeria contamination. The Mecox Bay Dairy asserts that no contaminated products remained on store shelves or in restaurants after the company announced the recall. Any customer who has the recalled cheese must discard it immediately in a secured container to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
Mecox Bay Dairy’s Sunrise cheese has a limited distribution. According to the company, the cheese subject to this recall effort was distributed to seven stores and one restaurant in the eastern section of Long Island. Mecox Bay Dairy also shipped the product to a restaurant in Chicago.
The FDA warns anyone who came in contact with the recalled cheese, noted by the “Sunrise” designation on the label, to monitor their health situation closely for the next 70 days. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria has an incubation period of up to 70 days. Anyone who consumed the cheese and feels ill with flu-like symptoms such as a stiff neck, nausea, fever, stomach pain, severe headache, and diarrhea should consult their doctor immediately.
Women who are pregnant are at a high risk for losing their baby if they are infected with the Listeria bacteria. A pregnant woman might feel like she is suffering from mild flu-like symptoms at first. However, they must seek medical attention immediately because a Listeria infection can lead to a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Anyone who suspects they might have possessed the recalled cheese must clean their refrigerator with a mild water and bleach mixture. Listeria can live below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and freezing the product will not necessarily kill off the bacteria.
The company noted that New York regulators detected the potential infestation during a routine examination. The FDA also became involved in the inquiry.
