Parker Waichman LLP

Four Indicted For Selling Moldy, Tainted Cheese

Four people have been indicted for selling moldy, tainted cheese contaminated with at least two dangerous—sometimes deadly—pathogens. The four allegedly washed a massive 110,000 pounds of moldy Mexican cheese, scraping the mold and fungus and shipping the cheese to retailers, said the Sun Times. After the sellers returned the cheese because it was, according to […]

Four people have been indicted for selling moldy, tainted cheese contaminated with at least two dangerous—sometimes deadly—pathogens. The four allegedly washed a massive 110,000 pounds of moldy Mexican cheese, scraping the mold and fungus and shipping the cheese to retailers, said the Sun Times.

After the sellers returned the cheese because it was, according to consumers, slimy and moldy, the four allegedly scraped off the bad parts of the cheese and sent it out to be sold again, The Sun Times pointed out.

The tainted Mexican cheese was shipped in 2007 and a recall was issued that September for Queso Cincho de Guerrero, a dry, hard Mexican cheese sold in 35- and 40-pound wheels, said the Sun Times. The recalled cheese, produced by “Quesos Sabrosos,” was distributed in Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Texas, and Illinois in retail stores.

“It has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious … infections in young children, frail, or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems,” the FDA said in 2007.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) obtained samples of the cheese and discovered that the samples contained a variety of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, said Sun Times. Of note, the four men are accused of distributing cheese ordered to be held for FDA inspection.

The four are connected to both Quesos Sabrosos Mexicanos and Mexican Cheese Producers, lnc. Baldemar Zurita, 39 of Chicago, Illinois, was just arrested and appeared in federal court where he pleaded not guilty to charges from Assistant U.S. Attorney Renato Mariotti, which included conspiracy, among other charges, said the Sun Times.

Zurita’s brother, Guadalupe Zurita, 42, of Villahermosa Mexico, who owned Quesos Sabrosos Mexicanos, was also charged; a warrant has been issued for Zurita. The company imported Mexican specialty cheese and dried Mexican peppers.

Miguel Leal, 47, of Monroe, Wisconsin—president and owner of Mexican Cheese Producers, Inc—and Cynthia Gutierrez, 37, of Cicero, Wisconsin, were also charged. Gutierrez was the finance and operations manager at Mexican Cheese Producers, according to the Sun Times. Leal and Gutierrez are accused of attempting to hide their actions by lying to FDA inspectors and sending the agency false documents.

All four were charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the FDA regulations, as well as three counts of violating the food safety law, said The Chicago Tribune.

No known illnesses have been reported to the agency, said The Tribune.

According to the government, the criminal investigation into the alleged illegal distribution of adulterated cheese began when the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs advised the FDA’s criminal section, said the Sun Times, noting that the agency said it believed it was lied to. The Tribune pointed out that the cheese was held for inspection by the FDA, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office, and was later found to be adulterated with dangerous bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli.

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
Parker Waichman is a top notch firm! I was very impressed with my paralegal, Benita, who gave me her undivided attention. She is caring, careful, prompt and meticulous in all that she does. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with Benita and I cannot say enough of good things about her. Good job Benita! I am forever grateful for all your assistance.
Clifton Botelho
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
When I contacted Parker Waichman LLC I did not know what to expect…But I met Ms Benita Rollis and she was a Godsend ! Ms Rollis guided me through the entire process.. and whenever I had a question about anything Ms Rollis got back to me with answers immediately! I dont know what I would have done without Ms Benita Rollis .. She is the BEST ! Thank you. I have dealt with other Law Firms over the years But nobody tops Parker Waichman.
Kevin Oras
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I have had a very good experience working with Gina Viti and Benita Rollins. They have went above and beyond to assist me, reaching out to me in timely matters. I am very grateful to work with these wonderful ladies.
Lavette Law
10 months 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