FDA has updated information regarding its investigation of an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infection associated with Brie and Camembert cheese to include other retailers who received the recalled product.
The outbreak has sickened at least six people from coast to coast, with five requiring hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Old Europe Cheese Inc. sells these products nationwide, some of the best – deadline extended to December. The company packages the cheese under 25 different brands, including Trader Joe’s, Fresh Thyme, Prestige and Block & Barrel, according to the FDA.
The company initially recalled some cheeses on Sept. 30 and expanded the recall on Oct. 5. Click here to view a list of retailers who have received cheese, the specific types of cheeses being recalled, and their brands
“A potential source of contamination has been identified and Old Europe Cheese is taking aggressive steps to eliminate it. Production has been halted and will not restart until the company is confident in the effectiveness of the measures it has taken,” the FDA previously reported.
A sample from one of the manufacturing facilities tested positive for Listeria. The strain from the positive case has been linked to six cases of listeriosis. The FDA is investigating to determine whether other products may have been contaminated.
Confirmed patients reside in California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas. Symptoms last occurred on August 5, but it can take up to 70 days for symptoms to appear. With the expanded recall announced on Oct. 5, more patients may be identified.
There are concerns that consumers may still be recalling products in their homes due to cheese’s long shelf life. Some cheeses have a best before date of December 14th.
Regarding Listeria Infection
by Listeria monocytogenes Food contaminated with germs may not look or smell spoiled, but can still cause serious, sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and develops symptoms of a listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell them they may have been exposed to listeria.
Additionally, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should self-monitor for symptoms over the next few weeks, as it can take up to 70 days for Listeria to appear after exposure symptoms of illness.
Symptoms of a listeria infection include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and a stiff neck. Diagnosing Listeria infection requires specific laboratory tests, which can mimic other diseases.
People with weakened immune systems, such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and cancer patients, are especially vulnerable to serious illness, life-threatening infections, and other complications. While infected pregnant women may experience only mild flu-like symptoms, their infection can lead to premature labor, neonatal infection and even stillbirth.
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