The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has joined the investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health into the Listeria outbreak linked to Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheeses. The company recalled three types of its cheeses on July 3, 2013 after an outbreak was announced. At least five people have been sickened in four states; one person in Minnesota has died and a woman has suffered a miscarriage.
These cheeses, which include Les Frères, Petit Frère, and Petit Frère with Truffles cheeses with make dates of July 1, 2013 or earlier, should be discarded immediately. This is especially important for pregnant women, older adults, the very young, and anyone with weakened immune systems. Even if you ate some of the cheese and have not become sick, get rid of it. You could still develop symptoms of listeriosis up to 70 days after eating the contaminated product. The products have a shelf life of up to 3 months, so some may be in your refrigerator or may be for sale in stores.
The Les Frères cheese is packaged in white plastic with a green and gold label. Petit Frère cheese is packaged in small round wooden boxes. Petit Frère with Truffles cheese is packaged in small round wooden boxes. All of the cheeses were produced in Waterloo, Iowa and have been distributed nationwide through retail stores and food service outlets, mail order, and have been sold in restaurants.
In addition, if you do have the cheese, you need to disinfect your kitchen. After you throw out the cheese in a sealed container so animals can’t get at it, wash your hands well, then wash the cheese drawer and the fridge with hot water and soap. Then sanitize the kitchen with a solution of one tablespoon bleach to one gallon of hot water. Make sure you wash cutting boards, knives, and utensils too. Wash your hands thoroughly again.
If you ate any of these cheeses, monitor yourself for symptoms of listeriosis, including fever, stiff neck, muscle aches, and nausea. If you do become ill, see your doctor immediately and tell her that you ate this recalled cheese.
