Widespread Cheese Recall Hits 9 States Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
A voluntary cheese recall has been issued by Old Europe Cheese, Inc. for Brie and Camembert products sold in nine states. An FDA warning cites potential Listeria contamination, a bacterium that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations.
Federal health officials have issued a voluntary cheese recall for products sold across nine states due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall by Old Europe Cheese, Inc., urging consumers to check their refrigerators for the affected products and discard them immediately.
Widespread Cheese Recall
| Key Fact | Details |
| Products Recalled | All Brie and Camembert cheeses with “Best By” dates from September 28, 2022, to December 14, 2022. |
| Reason for Recall | Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. |
| Affected States | California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Virginia. |
| Consumer Action | Do not consume. Discard the product and sanitize any surfaces it contacted. |
Details of the Cheese Recall
Old Europe Cheese, Inc. of Benton Harbor, Michigan, initiated the voluntary recall after a full environmental audit of 120 samples from their facility revealed potential contamination. The recall covers more than 20 brands of Brie and Camembert cheeses, which were distributed from August 1, 2022, through September 28, 2022.
The affected products were sold at numerous retailers nationwide, including supermarkets and specialty stores. A comprehensive list of the recalled products, including brand names like Renard and Good & Gather, and their corresponding UPC codes is available on the FDA’s website. The agency confirmed that the contamination was discovered during an FDA-led sampling and analysis project. “The health and safety of our customers is our top priority,” the company stated in its official recall notice. “We are working closely with the FDA to investigate the source of the problem and ensure it is fully remediated.”
Affected States and Retail Distribution
The recalled cheeses were distributed to retailers in nine states: California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Virginia. The distribution network also includes Mexico. Retailers that sold the potentially contaminated products include well-known chains such as Albertsons, Safeway, Meijer, and Target. These companies have been instructed to remove the products from their shelves. Health officials are concerned that consumers may still have the recalled cheese in their homes due to the long shelf-life of these products.
Understanding the Health Risks of Listeria Contamination
The recall was initiated due to the risk posed by Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium. This is a critical food safety issue because infection can lead to a serious illness called listeriosis.
What is Listeria?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria monocytogenes can survive and grow in refrigerated environments, making it a particular concern for ready-to-eat foods like soft cheeses. Unlike many other germs, it is a hardy bacterium that can be difficult to eliminate from food processing facilities.
“Listeriosis is a serious infection, and while it’s relatively rare, the consequences can be severe for certain vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Anya Sharma, an infectious disease specialist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
Symptoms and At-Risk Populations
Healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, the FDA warning highlights the significant danger listeriosis poses to specific groups. The CDC notes that pregnant women, adults aged 65 or older, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a much higher risk for severe illness. In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
FDA Guidance for Consumers
The FDA advises consumers who have purchased any of the recalled Brie or Camembert products to not eat them. The products should be thrown away in a sealed bag to prevent animals or other people from consuming them. Officials also stress the importance of cleaning and sanitizing any refrigerators, containers, or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese. Listeria can spread to other foods and surfaces, posing a risk of cross-contamination. Old Europe Cheese, Inc. has established a telephone line for consumers with questions about the recall.
This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety across complex supply chains. Regulatory agencies like the FDA conduct routine inspections and testing, but recalls remain a critical tool for protecting public health when a potential threat is identified. The investigation into the root cause of the contamination at the Michigan facility is ongoing.
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