A Listeria outbreak linked to Crave Brothers cheese has hospitalized all five people that it has sickened, killing one of them and triggering a miscarriage in another, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Illnesses have been reported in Minnesota (2), Indiana (1), Illinois (1), and Ohio (1).
Crave Brothers has issued a recall for affected cheese products which were sold nationwide at Whole Foods and Kroger stores, through mail order, at regional grocery stores in 13 states and served at foodservice outlets and restaurants. The recalled products 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. The FDA and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture are conducting an inspection at the company’s processing facility.
Those who became ill range in age from 31 to 67 and were diagnosed between May 20, 2013 to June 17, 2013. Symptoms of a Listeria infection, called listeriosis, can take up to 70 days after exposure to develop, They include fever, stiff neck, muscle aches and headache. Sometimes symptoms also include confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Anyone who has eaten the cheese and has these symptoms should see a doctor.
Listeria can thrive in cold temperatures. Consumers who have purchased this cheese should carefully clean all their refrigerators, food preparation surfaces and utensils that may have come in contact with the contaminated cheese. The FDA recommends that consumers follow these steps: wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food; wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards and countertops; then sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water; dry with a clean cloth or paper towel that has not been previously used and wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitization process.
