FDA Elevates Cheese Recall to Highest Risk Due to Listeria Threat
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified a cheese product recall due to the identification of Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium. This reclassification elevates the recall into the Class I category, which indicates a serious risk of health consequences or death.
Details of the Cheese Recall
The Ambriola Company initially announced a voluntary recall in November following routine safety testing at its West Caldwell, New Jersey facility. Upon discovering the presence of Listeria, the FDA acted promptly to classify the recall as Class I.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms in healthy individuals may include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiffness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
In more serious cases, infections can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths in pregnant women.
Affected Products
Eight specific cheese products are affected by this recall. These items were distributed nationwide between November 3 and November 20. The recalled products include:
- Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, 4-ounce and 8-ounce cups
- Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, 5- and 10-pound bags
- Pinna Grated Pecorino Romano, 10-pound bags
- Boar’s Head Grated Pecorino Romano, 6-ounce cups
- Member’s Mark Pecorino Romano Grated, 1.5-pound bags
- Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Grated, 5-pound bags
- Ambriola Piccante Grated Pecorino Romano, 5- and 10-pound bags
- Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano, additional 8-ounce cups
Each product is marked with specific lot numbers that consumers should check against their purchases.
Consumer Guidance
The FDA urges consumers who have purchased any of the affected products to refrain from consuming them. They should dispose of the products or return them for a refund. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a Listeria infection should seek medical advice promptly.
For further information and updates, consumers can visit the FDA’s dedicated resources or consult local health authorities. It is crucial to remain vigilant and informed about food safety recalls to protect public health.
