Green Cedar Dairy of Dearborn, Michigan, announces the recall of All Natural Ackawi Cheese and All Natural Chives Cheese with a sell by date up to July 1, 2012 because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The very young, the pregnant, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to infection. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
The Michigan Department of Community Health and the Wayne County Public Health Department are investigating two recent cases of human listeriosis that may have had exposure to Green Cedar Dairy products.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Laboratory identified Listeria monocytogenes in samples of All Natural Chives Cheese that were collected from Green Cedar Dairy.
Green Cedar Dairy products were distributed to bakeries and retail stores in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
The recalled items are all labeled as Green Cedar Dairy (Plant # 26941) products, All Natural Ackawi and All Natural Chives Cheese. The product is sold in approximately 12-14 oz. squares vacuum sealed in clear plastic packages with a sell by date up to July 1, 2012. The sell by date is marked on a label on the back of the product.
This recall is being conducted to the consumer level. Consumers are urged to stop consuming the product and return all recalled products to the store of purchase. Green Cedar Dairy is requesting that all retail stores cease selling these cheeses immediately, and that restaurants cease serving them.
The firm is cooperating with the investigation by state and local officials to identify the source of contamination.
Media and Consumer Contacts and Instructions
Consumers with questions may contact Wessam Harb at (313) 584-4499, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
Source: FDA