“Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese” is being recalled by Schratter Foods Incorporated, a Fairfield, New Jersey-based food distributor, because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The recalled “Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese” was distributed nationwide in retail stores.
The product comes in bulk (Round Half 8.5-9.6 lbs) and random weight wedge cuts (UPC 0813555010000 – label states “Imported by: ANCO Fine Cheese) and the affected lots are 019 through 034. Additionally, the affected lots are marked with 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 problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the bulk.
The distribution of this product has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem. Consumers who have purchased the wedge cut package of “Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 973-461-2400 (EST 9:00 – 5:00 PM).
Source: FDA
