Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese is voluntarily recalling three specialty cheese products in the US, as the products have been linked to a multi-state outbreak of Listeria.
Crave Brothers was informed by regulatory agencies of an ongoing investigation related to potential health risks associated with Listeria monocytogenes, following which, the company ceased the production and distribution of the products.
Till date, two people fell ill and were hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, and one has died. The outbreak has been linked to three other states.
Crave Brothers president George Crave said, "We are cooperating with the regulatory agencies' ongoing investigation of the cause of the potential health risks."
The products being recalled are Les Freres (LF225 2/2.5#) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in white plastic with a green and gold label; Petit Frere (PF88 8/8 oz) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes; and Petit Frere with Truffles (PF88T 8/8 oz) with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes.
These products were distributed nationwide through retail and foodservice outlets as well as by mail orders.
Consumers who have purchased any of these products have been urged not to consume them. They can return the cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard it.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
