Forever Cheese, the facility that imported and sold Frescolina ricotta salata that has been linked to a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak has decided to stop importing and selling all cheese from that manufacturer in Italy. The cheeses include Ricotta Salata Frescolina, Marte brand Roasted Ricotta and Hard Ricotta Salata.
The company is asking all customers to destroy whatever they have in house and to notify them for credit. This recall and ban includes all lots and all production codes of Marte brand Frescolina Ricotta Salata cheese.
Fourteen people have been sickened in this outbreak, and three people have died. Pritzker Olsen is representing one of the victims in a lawsuit. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness. And this outbreak is complicated, since there was likely cross-contamination between the contaminated cheese and other soft cheeses prepared at Whole Foods and perhaps other facilities.
The symptoms of listeriosis include flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems. The very young, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and older adults can become seriously ill or die. Pregnant women can suffer miscarriages or stillbirth after a Listeria infection. If you have eaten food from a deli or cheeses and experience these symptoms, please see your healthcare provider immediately.
