Lovers of brie and camembert cheeses, you should check stocks in your refrigerator.
A prominent maker of these specialty cheeses, the Michigan-based Old Europe Cheese, issued a voluntary recall of brie and camembert cheeses it sold in August until September 28 that carried Best Before Dates up to December 14, CNET noted in a report. These products have been suspected of having been contaminated with the monocytogenes Listeria.
What is Listeria?
Listeria is a genus of bacteria that acts as an intercellular parasite in mammals. This becomes a causating agent for listeriosis, which causes serious illnesses, such as severe gastroenteritis, sepsis, and meningitis.
Cheese Brands Affected by Recall
A variety of brands of these cheeses were affected, such as Reny Picot, Joan of Arc, Block and Barrel, and others. These recalled brie and camembert cheeses were sold at stores all over the U.S.and in Mexico. These stores include Albertsons, Safeway, Meijer, Harding's, Shaw's, Price Chopper, Market Basket, Raley's, Save Mart, Giant Foods, Stop & Shop, Fresh Thyme, Lidl, Sprouts, Athenian Foods, Whole Foods, and possibly others.
Here's the complete list of brands affected by the recall, as indicated on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website:
- Black Bear
- Block and Barrel
- Charmant
- Cobblestone
- Culinary Tour
- Fredericks
- Fresh Thyme
- Glenview Farms
- Good and Gather
- Heinen
- Joan of Arc
- La Bonne Vie
- Lidl
- Life in Provence
- Market 32
- Maitre 'D
- Metropolitan
- Prestige
- Primo Taglio
- Red Apple
- Reny Picot
- St Randeaux
- Taste of Inspiration
- Trader Joe
Some of these recalled cheeses could also be repackaged into smaller containers without any label. If you have this type of cheese at home and are concerned, it is advised that you must check with the retailer or deli you purchased it.
Listeria Found in Old Europe Facility, Leading to Voluntary Recall
According to Old Europe, their voluntary recall was due to a listeria finding in one of its facilities, despite having its products being tested negative for the bacteria. The strain found has been linked to six cases of listeriosis from 2017 to 2022, but Old Europe cheeses haven't been previously linked to any listeriosis outbreak.
Old Europe Working With Authorities for 'Fast, Efficient' Recall, Issues Apology
Old Europe also said it was working closely with state and federal authorities and with its clients to make this voluntary recall fast and efficient. Since the quality and safety of our products is the company's "number one priority," the company apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the recall.
Most people infected with listeria will experience short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. But others, including people who are pregnant or adults who have weakened immune systems, may experience more serious illness or health effects.
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