California-based Karoun Dairies has voluntarily recalled a variety of cheeses over concerns that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled products are vacuum packed in jars or in pails and are sold under the brands Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, and Yanni. The weight of the products varies from 5 ounces to 30 pounds.
The company stated that there could be a possible association of its cheese products with the recent cases of listeriosis by FDA and CDC. Hence, it has stopped the distribution of cheeses and is cooperating with FDA to investigate the source of the problem.
So far, none of the company's products have tested positive for Listeria but as a precautionary measure, Karoun has initiated a voluntary recall in the wake of the recent Listeriosis cases.
The recalled products were distributed across retail outlets including food service accounts and supermarkets in the US. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products have been requested to either discard the product or return it at the place of purchase for a full refund.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious to fatal infections in young children, and elderly people, and those with a weak immunity. Persons affected may experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diahrrea. In pregnant women, it may even cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
Image: Karoun Dairies voluntarily recalls its cheese products. Photo: Courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
