FAIR OAKS, Ind. — Fair Oaks Dairy Products, LLC today issued a voluntary recall of blue cheese produced under the Fair Oaks Royal Blue Cheese label and purchased on or after September 25, 2011 because it 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.
Fair Oaks, based in Northwest Indiana, said that a small quantity of the cheese was sold at its Fair Oaks Dairy store in Northwest Indiana, central Indiana and to several other stores through distributers, on and after September 25. The product is in 1/3 to 1/2 lbs packages in a royal blue foil with the label "Fair Oaks Royal Blue Cheese."
Fair Oaks discovered the issue during its own testing of its products by an independent laboratory. Laboratory testing has confirmed that the blue cheese contained Listeria monocytogenes. Fair Oaks has contacted the FDA and issued the recall to consumers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. No illnesses have been reported to date.
The quantity of blue cheese involved in the recall is less than 20 pounds and the company estimates less than twenty pounds are held by consumers. Consumers who have purchased this brand on the dates in question should return the product to the stores where they were purchased to receive a refund. Recall notices have already been sent to retail outlets that received this product.
If you are ill, or experience any symptoms of listeriosis, an infection usually caused by eating food with Listeria, you should contact your physician. Listeriosis symptoms may include fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal distress, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the Indiana Department of Health, the incubation period for listeriosis is variable and ranges from 3 to 70 days, with the median incubation period being three weeks. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, are under the age of ten years or older than 55 years or have a compromised immune system.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at Julie Basich, general manager, Fair Oaks Farms at 219 – 394- 2025, ext. 314, Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CDT). After hours or on weekends call 847-884-0000. All remaining inventory has been quarantined and will be destroyed under FDA supervision.
Founded in 2004, Fair Oaks Dairy Products is a producer of dairy products, including milk, ice cream, cheese and butter based in Northwest Indiana.
Source: Fair Oaks Dairy Products, LLC
