Estrella Family Creamery Recalls Old Apple Tree Tomme Cheese

The Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, Washington, is recalling a production
of Old Apple Tree Tomme cheese 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 infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among
pregnant women.

The Old Apple Tree Tomme cheese was sold at the Ballard and Seattles U-District
farmer’s markets in Seattle, Washington, and the firms farm store in Montesano,
Washington the weekend of Feb. 27 and 28, 2010.

The recalled cheese was sold by custom order at the markets and the firms farm
store, with a label bearing it’s name. The product does not contain a lot code.

No illnesses in connection with this product or any other Estrella cheeses have
been reported to date.

The recall is the result of continued sampling by the state of Washington
Department of Agriculture, which revealed that one wheel of the finished product
contained the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Consumers who have any should return the cheese to the place of purchase for a
full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 360.249.6541
between 6:00am 8:00pm PST.

Source: FDA