San Fernando, CA — Karoun Dairies, Inc. announced that it is voluntarily recalling a variety of cheeses it distributes due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, no product has tested positive for Listeria but in view of the association with listeriosis cases Karoun Dairies Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall in the interest of protecting public health.
Listeria monocytogenes is 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 products are vacuum packed, in jars or in pails under the following brands; Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, Gopi, and Yanni. Weights vary from 5 ounces to 30 pounds.
This recall is limited to cheese with the UPC codes in the table below sold nationwide. No other Karoun Dairies product is affected by this recall. The products being recalled are listed below and were distributed to retail outlets, including food service accounts and supermarkets in the U.S. Consumers can find UPC code and use by dates on each package.
| Item Name | UPC Codes | Affected Areas | Use by Dates up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ackawi | 7 96252 00123 9, 7 96252 01123 8, 7 96252 00325 7, 7 96252 02223 4, 7 96252 03223 3 | US | 1/6/2016 |
| California | 7 96252 90030 3 | US | 1/5/2016 |
| Cotija | 7 96252 80037 5, 7 96252 80036 8, 7 96252 80032 0 | US | 2/29/2016 |
| Farmers Goat Fresh | 7 96252 50016 9 | US | 11/26/2015 |
| Fresco | 7 96252 80083 2, 7 96252 80081 8 | US | 11/8/2015 |
| Fresh Cheese/Panela | 7 96252 03226 4, 7 96252 03227 1, 7 96252 00227 4, 7 96252 00226 7, 7 96252 00228 1, 7 96252 00122 2, 7 96252 00126 0, 7 96252 60001 2, 7 96252 80074 0, 7 96252 22003 6, 7 96252 80070 2, 7 96252 00127 7 | US | 12/31/2015 |
| Feta | 7 96252 22004 3, 7 96252 22006 7, 7 96252 22007 4, 7 96252 22005 0, 7 96252 22022 7, 7 96252 22002 9, 7 96252 11003 0, 7 96252 40003 2, 7 96252 11024 5, 7 96252 11025 2, 7 96252 22012 8, 7 96252 40025 4, 7 96252 12034 2 | US | 3/7/2016 |
| Goat Milk Feta | 7 96252 50001 5 | US | 3/2/2016 |
| Mozzarella | 7 96252 70012 5, 7 96252 70013 2, 7 96252 12014 5, 7 96252 12015 2 | US | 1/2/2016 |
| Paneer | 7 96252 70008 8, 7 96252 70014 9, 7 96252 70019 4, 7 96252 70018 7 | US | 1/7/2016 |
| Queso Blanco | 7 96252 80004 7, 7 96252 80005 4, 7 96252 80043 6 | US | |
| String Cheese | 7 96252 00019 5, 7 96252 00020 1, 7 96252 00035 5, 7 96252 00015 7, 7 96252 00025 6, 7 96252 00041 6, 7 96252 00042 3, 7 96252 00040 9, 7 96252 00005 8, 7 96252 00008 9, 7 96252 00038 6, 7 96252 00028 7, 7 96252 00018 8, 7 96252 00013 3, 7 96252 00017 1, 7 96252 00016 4, 7 96252 00039 3, 7 96252 00022 5 | US | 3/16/2016 |
| Ani | 7 96252 01125 2, 7 96252 00323 3 | US | 1/5/2016 |
| Nabulsi | 7 96252 03225 7, 7 96252 00225 0, 7 96252 00223 6 7 96252 00125 3 | US | 12/29/2016 |
| Yanni Grilling | 7 96252 90024 2, 7 96252 90029 7 | US | 12/23/2015 |
Karoun Dairies was made aware of a possible association of their cheese products with several recent cases of listeriosis by FDA and CDC. The company has ceased distribution of above cheeses and is working closely with FDA to continue to investigate the problem further.
Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged to dispose of or return it to theplace of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions may call toll free 1-866-272-9393 toll free, Monday – Friday 8:00AM to 6:00PM PST.
Source: FDA
