Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese has initiated a recall of their St. Jerome cheese. The recall affects batch 231129, distributed nationwide.
Routine testing detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This recall highlights the importance of food safety monitoring in the dairy industry.
Listeria: A Potentially Fatal Foodborne Pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. It particularly affects young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
The CDC estimates 1,600 listeriosis cases annually in the US. Approximately 260 deaths occur each year due to listeriosis.
Affected Products: Sizes and Packaging Details
The recall covers two sizes of St. Jerome cheese. It includes 8-ounce wedges and 15-pound wheels.
The products are packaged in clear plastic with a logo sticker. Consumers can identify affected products by the lot number 231129 on a white label.
Distribution Channels of the Recalled Cheese
Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese distributed the affected product through multiple channels. These include wholesale customers and retail storefronts.
The company also sold the cheese through its website. This wide distribution increases the potential reach of the contaminated product.
No Illnesses Reported, But Caution Advised
As of the recall announcement, no illnesses were linked to the product. However, the FDA urges consumers not to consume the cheese.
Customers should return the product for a full refund. Alternatively, they can dispose of it safely.
Listeriosis: Symptoms and Risks for Healthy Individuals
Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms from listeriosis. These can include high fever, severe headache, and stiffness.
Nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are also common. Symptoms typically begin within hours or days after infection.
Severe Risks for Pregnant Women and Fetuses
Listeria poses significant risks to pregnant women and their unborn children. It can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis. This risk highlights the importance of food safety during pregnancy.
Company’s Response and Additional Product Testing
Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese has suspended production of St. Jerome cheese. They tested 17 other cheese varieties, all negative for Listeria.
The FDA and the company are investigating the contamination source. This proactive approach demonstrates the company’s commitment to food safety.
Listeria’s Resilience in Food Environments
Listeria thrives in moist environments, including soil and water. It can survive under refrigerated conditions, unlike many bacteria.
This resilience makes Listeria particularly challenging for food safety. It can contaminate a variety of foods, from dairy to produce.
Historical Listeria Outbreaks in Various Foods
Previous listeriosis outbreaks have been traced to diverse food sources. These include raw and unpasteurized dairy products, ice cream, and vegetables.
Processed fruits and deli meats have also been implicated. The largest listeriosis outbreak in US history occurred in 2011, linked to cantaloupe.
