Schratter Foods Incorporated, of Fairfield, New Jersey, is recalling Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese over concerns the cheese potentially contaminated with <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/listeria">Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced.
The recalled “Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese†was distributed nationwide in retail stores and is packaged in bulk—Round Half 8.5-9.6 pounds—and random weight wedge cuts—UPC 0813555010000, label states “Imported by: ANCO Fine Cheese. Affected lots are 019 through 034. The affected lots are marked with an expiration date of 6/15/2011 through 6/29/2011. The product could be cut at retail from the bulk or purchased and sold as pre-cut wedges.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall; however, it is important to note that Listeria poisoning symptoms could take some time to manifest.
The potential for contamination with the Listeria bacteria was discovered following routine testing by Quenby Hall which revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the bulk. Distribution of this product was suspended while the FDA and the company continue investigated the source of the problem.
Consumers who purchased the wedge cut package of “Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese†are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1.973.461.2400, Eastern Standard Time (EST) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For susceptible populations, infection with the
Listeria pathogen can cause significant illnesses linked to the central nervous system, the developing fetus, and placenta. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis, a potentially fatal foodborne Illness that infects about 2,500 people in the U.S., killing 500 each year.
Listeriosis symptoms include are high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, abdominal cramps and pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are 20 times likelier to be infected and Listeriosis can kill fetuses, prompt premature births, can lead to hearing loss or brain damage in newborns, and can prompt neurological effects and cardio respiratory failure in adults.
