Michigan health officials have issued a recall of two cheeses from Green Cedar Dairy in Dearborn, Michigan after Listeria monocytogenes was found in tests by the agriculture department and two people who had exposure to the products contracted listeriosis, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall includes products labeled: Green Cedar Dairy (Plant # 26941) “All Natural Ackawi Cheese” and “All Natural Chives Cheese” with sell by dates up to July 1, 2012. The products are sold in approximately 12-14 oz. square, clear plastic packages that are vacuum sealed. The products were distributed in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
The FDA urges consumers not to eat the products. Green Cedar Dairy requests that all retail stores cease selling these cheeses immediately, and that restaurants cease serving them.
The Michigan Department of Community Health and the Wayne County Public Health Department are investigating the two cases of listeriosis in people who may have been exposed to Green Cedar Dairy products.
Listeriosis is a serious and sometimes fatal infection caused by eating foods contaminated with Listeria bacteria. Onset of flu-like symptoms can begin up to two months after ingestion of the tainted food.
Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems – especially pregnant women – are most at risk. Among pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects or other serious health problems in newborns.
