Sunny Pine Farm of Washington is recalling organic Chèvre cheese (goat cheese) because of possible improper pasteurization. Pasteurization heats milk used to make the cheese to effectively kill all disease-causing bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella. The Farm “does not know of any illness or complaints associated with the recalled cheese”.
The cheeses are Organic Chèvre, Organic Parsley Chive Chèvre, and Organic Honey Lavender Chèvre. They were sold in plastic 6 ounce tubs in the Twisp-Winthrop area in Washington state. They are sold through community supported agriculture (CSA) and retail outlets. The cheeses have an expiration date of 10/16/2013 on a sticker on the bottom of the container. Chèvre cheese products sold at Methow Valley Farmers Market (aka Twisp Farmers Market) between 7/27/13 and 10/12/13 are also recalled. Those products did not have an expiration date on the label.
Washington State Department of Agriculture discovered inadequate pasteurization records during a routine inspection. The recorder charts did not prove adequate time for pasteurization. It’s possible that the products were pasteurized properly, but Sunny Pine Farm made the decision to recall any products that could affect consumer safety. If you purchased one of these products, do not eat them. Return to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.
