Parker Waichman LLP

Santa Lucia Ricotta Cheese Recalled

Listeria Contamination Prompted Another Food Recall Possible Listeria contamination has prompted another food recall.  Both the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the International Cheese Company Ltd. have issued a warning to the public against consuming Santa Lucia brand Ricotta Cheese because of a possible listeria contamination, according to a press release published today on […]

Ricotta Cheese

Listeria Contamination Prompted Another Food Recall Possible Listeria contamination has prompted another food recall.  Both the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the International Cheese Company Ltd. have issued a warning to the public against consuming Santa Lucia brand Ricotta Cheese because of a possible listeria contamination, according to a press release published today on MarketWatch.com.

The press release stated that the Santa Lucia Ricotta Cheese is sold in packages of 500 g and the packages bear a Best Before Date of 09JA01 (January 1, 2009) and lot number 477; the Santa Lucia Ricotta Cheese was distributed in Ontario.  A voluntary recall has been issued by the manufacturer, International Cheese Company Ltd. of Toronto, Ontario, and  the CFIA is monitoring the recall.

Infection with Listeria monocytogenes can result in listeriosis and symptoms can take days or weeks to surface and include a mild flu-like illness, meningitis, or septicemia.  Health Canada notes that symptoms also include: Vomiting, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, severe headache, constipation, and persistent fever.

Pregnant Women Are At Risk To Listeria

Pregnant women are at particular risk to Listeria and can experience spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or birth of a seriously infected child.  Other at-risk groups include the very young; the very old; and those with compromised immune systems, such as people undergoing chemotherapy or those with AIDS/HIV.  All at-risk individuals are generally advised to avoid foods such as soft cheeses and pates because the risk of infection with these foods is considered high; the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria thrives in low temperatures, such as can be found in a refrigerator.  The National Post points out that foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes do not appear by sight, smell, or taste to be spoiled.

In the U.S., an estimated 2,500 cases of listeria occur annually with about 200 in every 1000 cases resulting in death.  Health Canada notes that, “Listeria is more likely to cause death than other bacteria that cause food poisoning.  In fact, 20 to 30 percent of food borne listeriosis infections in high-risk individuals may be fatal.”

Listeria often invades the body through a normal and intact gastrointestinal tract.  Once in the body, Listeria can travel through the blood stream; however, Listeria is often found inside cells where toxins are produced resulting in damaged cells.  Pregnant women are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis; about one-third of listeriosis cases take place during pregnancy. The incidence of listeriosis in newborns is 8.6 cases per 100,000 live births.  The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate (stillbirths and early infant deaths) from listeriosis is 80 percent.  CBCNews.ca notes that pregnant women experience an increased miscarriage risk if they develop listeriosis within their first trimester, while the risk of delivering a stillborn baby or of giving birth to a very ill baby increases in the second and third trimesters.

International Cheese Company Ltd. can be reached at 416-769-3547; CFIA can be reached at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Need Legal Help Regarding Sickness from Ricotta Cheese?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I'm a 9/11 first responder, and I can honestly say that Parker Waichman made me feel like they had my best interest in my VCF case. Ms Candalino & Ms Viti are top notch in my book. I was constantly informed on the status of my case. I would definitely recommend Parker Waichman LLP to family and friends.
damarr doyle
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I just wanted to say thank you. My nurse,Joanne is always making sure I'm good and my attorneys at Parker/Waichman are extremely thorough and understanding. So compassionate. Thank you.
Jezebel Gallardo
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They worked great with my husband's case. Jillian G. was in constant communication with us. She was always available to answer any questions or concerns. Just the mention of their name to doctors and insurance companies received an urgency to provide service. I would totally recommend them to EVERYONE I know.
zulia polanco
6 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038