Several brands of soft cheese have been recalled due to possible contamination with the deadly Listeria bacteria.
Savencia Cheese USA announced last week that seven of its brie products manufactured at a Pennsylvania facility may have been exposed to listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that causes listeria, a foodborne illness.
According to an FDA notice, the bacteria was found on the plant’s processing equipment after routine testing, but the finished cheeses did not test positive for the bacteria.
However, the agency is still initiating a recall to “recover potentially affected product.”
The cheeses had “limited regional distribution” at stores such as Aldi and Market Basket, but the FDA has not disclosed any other retailers selling the products.
However, the “few retailers” that sell them have removed them from their shelves.
Affected states include Indiana, Missouri, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, Iowa, New Jersey, California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Illinois.
No illnesses have been reported, but the recall is one of many recent incidents that have raised concerns about the U.S. food supply.
La Bonne Vie Brie (6/8 oz) and La Bonne Vie Camembert (6/8 oz) are among the cheeses recalled due to possibly containing listeria.
All affected products, including those shown here, have been removed from shelves.
The seven recalled products include: Aldi Emporium Selection Brie (12/8oz Brie); Supreme Oval 7oz (6/7 ounces); La Bonne Vie Brie (6/8 oz), La Bonne Vie Camembert (6/8 oz); 12/8 oz Industrial Brie; Brie Market Basket (6/8 ounce); and Glenview Farms brie cheese spread (2/3 lb).
The products were manufactured between September 30 and October 15, 2024, and six have a “best buy” date of December 24, 2024.
The Glenview product has a best buy date of January 13, 2025.
Listeria, also called listeriosis, is a serious infection caused by eating foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
It can be found in moist environments, soil, water, decomposing vegetation and animals, and can survive refrigeration and other food preservation measures.
Many foods can harbor the virus, but it is typically found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, and ready-to-eat foods such as packaged sandwiches.
Cooked seafood, cured meats, and fish, including sushi and pre-cut fruit, also pose a risk.
Most people who eat foods contaminated with Listeria will not become seriously ill.
But in some cases it can cause confusion and seizures, miscarriages in pregnant women, and even death.
This can happen when the infection spreads beyond the intestine and affects the central nervous system, which can cause numbness and seizures.
Also recalled was the 7 oz (6/7 ounce) Supreme Oval cheese. Those who purchased recalled products are encouraged to return them to the place of purchase for pickup.
Many foods can harbor listeria, but it is typically found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, and ready-to-eat foods such as packaged sandwiches.
The CDC estimates that 1,600 Americans become infected with listeria each year and about 260 die.
Consumers who purchased any of the recalled cheeses are encouraged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The recall comes amid several recent foodborne illness outbreaks, which have left millions of Americans wary of the food supply.
Listeria rose to prominence earlier this year after the insect was found on a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia.
The disease hospitalized 59 Americans in 19 states and killed 10, ultimately prompting the factory to close. About seven million pounds of meat were recalled at the end of July.
And earlier this month, McDonald’s suffered an E. coli outbreak potentially linked to the chopped onions in its famous Quarter Pounder burgers.
The outbreak has caused 75 illnesses and one death, and two Americans are battling a fatal E. coli-related kidney injury.