‘Threat to Life’ Warning Issued in Cheese Recall: Affects Iowa & Illinois
A serious health warning has been issued following a cheese recall that affects consumers in Iowa, Illinois, and several other U.S. states including; Indiana, Missouri, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey, California, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington. The last outbreaks of Listeria caused deaths across the U.S. when over 7 million pounds of deli meats were recalled, and several deaths occurred with thousands sick.
Pennsylvania-based Savencia Cheese USA has voluntarily recalled multiple brands of its soft cheeses after routine testing revealed possible contamination of processing equipment with Listeria monocytogenes. While no cases of illness have been reported as of the latest update, the presence of this bacteria poses a potentially fatal risk to vulnerable groups, including young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.
The recall involves a range of popular soft-ripened cheeses distributed under brand names such as Aldi, La Bonne Vie, Market Basket, Supreme, and Glenview Farms. The recall initially began with several brie and camembert varieties, but it was expanded this week to include Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie. This cheese product has a best-by date of January 13, 2025, while the other affected cheeses carry a best-by date of December 24, 2024.
The affected products were distributed to a select number of retail partners in 12 states, including Iowa and Illinois. The FDA has stated that this recall was initiated voluntarily by Savencia Cheese out of an abundance of caution.
Recalled Cheese Product labels for easy identification.
Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, can lead to serious complications and even death in severe cases. Those most at risk include young children, elderly people, and anyone with a weakened immune system. For pregnant women, listeriosis is particularly concerning, as it can result in stillbirth, miscarriage, or infection in newborns. Even healthy individuals may experience symptoms akin to food poisoning, such as fever, headache, muscle stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Listeria monocytogenes.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that listeria ranks as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the country. Around 1,600 people contract listeriosis each year, resulting in approximately 260 deaths.
The FDA advises consumers in possession of any of the recalled products to avoid consuming them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Each product can be identified by its best-by date, brand name, and UPC or GTIN codes on the packaging. For a complete list of affected products, consumers can refer to the FDA website or contact Savencia Cheese directly at (800) 322-2743 or via email at sc.customer.service@savencia.com.
“Through routine testing, we identified that processing equipment at our Lena, Illinois, site may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. While finished product testing has not identified contaminated product, we have initiated a voluntary recall to retrieve the potentially affected product.”
-Savencia Cheese Spokesperson
The FDA has reposted Savencia Cheese’s recall notice, emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness given the serious health risks associated with listeria.