Michigan company recalls 7 tons of cheese because of Listeria

More than seven tons of various kinds of cheese, packaged under three brands and distributed to five states is being recalled because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Kuster’s Inc. of Camden, MI, posted the recall with the Food and Drug Administration Wednesday evening after receiving notification from its supplier, Farm Country Cheese of Lakeview, MI, about the potential contamination.

To view labels of other varieties of cheese included in this recall, click on the image.

The 14,238 pounds of shredded, sliced and cubed cheese was distributed in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

“The recall was the result of confirmation from the cheese manufacturer of a possible contamination of the product received,” according to the recall notice. “Kuster’s Inc. has ceased production and distribution of the product as the FDA and the company continue their investigations.

“Kuster’s Inc. is complying with this recall and recalling any product that may have been processed on its manufacturing equipment after the cheese in question was processed.”

Consumers can identify the recalled cheese by label information that includes product dates found in the bottom center of package labels. Specific products recalled are:

Shredded cheese in 5-pound plastic bags under the following labels:

• Kuster’s Dairy Foods Three Blend (pack date 10/05/16)
• Fata’s Best Four Blend Feather Shred (lot date 27916)
• Fata’s Best Mozzarella Muenster Provolone Feather Shred (lot date 27916)
• Fata’s Best Monterey Jack Feather Shred (lot date 27916)
• Fata’s Best PepperJack Feather Shred (Lot date 27816)
• Nor-Tech Dairy  Mozz/Muenster/Prov Feather Shred (best used by: 12-05-2016)
• Nor-Tech Dairy Sharp White Cheddar Feather Shred (packed on 10.04.2016)

Cubed cheese packaged under the following label:
Nor-Tech Dairy PepperJack 3/4″ Cubed (packed on 10/04/2016).

Sliced cheese packaged under the following label:
Kuster’s Dairy Foods Sliced Colby Jack

No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled cheese as of the posting of the recall notice Wednesday. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled cheese and develop symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes 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.

Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled products are urged not to eat the product and to return it to Kuster’s Inc. for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact the company at 517-368-5174.

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from Food Recalls – Food Safety News http://ift.tt/2dNz0EW