Del Bueno Recalls Cheese Because Of Possible Health Risk

Del Bueno of Grandview, WA has recalled all size packages of the foollowing cheeses manufactured by them:

• Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese
• Queso Panela Fresh Cheese
• Requeson Mexican Style Ricotta Cheese
• Queso Enchilado Dry Cheese 

This recall is the result of environmental samples and finished product samples taken  by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the finished product samples taken by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The test results revealed that the cheeses are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes contamination can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include largely short-term symptoms such as fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

UPC dates of the products being recalled are as follows:

• Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese, UPC 75318225028 for 16 oz. package, UPC 753182814063 for 3 lbs. package, date code up to and including Feb 10 2011.
• Queso Panela Fresh Cheese, UPC 753182814056, date code up to and including Feb 10 2011.
• Requeson Mexican Style Ricotta Cheese, UPC 753182814070, date code up to and including Jan 10 2011
• Queso Enchilado Dry Cheese, no UPC date code up to and including Mar 15 2011.

These c heeses were distributed by Del Bueno to retail markets in Washington and Oregon and to the flea market in Pasco, WA. You can find the expiration date code stamped on the back of the packages. The cheese is packaged either in 1 lb. or 3 lbs. plastic vacuum bags. Del Bueno has notified their customers and has pulled the products from retail stores and the company is working with FDA to conduct the recall. If you have purchased Del Bueno brand cheeses are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Contact:
Del Bueno
Jesus Rodriguez
425-503-3823 (8am-5pm PST)

Image Source: FDA

Liz Lovely Voluntary Recall Chocolate Products: Undeclared Dairy

Liz Lovely, Inc. of Waitsfield, VT, a dairy free bakery, has recalled recalling cookie products containing chocolate or chocolate chips. Chocolate purchased from a third-party chocolate manufacturer has undeclared dairy present in it.

Liz Lovely cookie products are distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. People wirh dairy allergy are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these undeclared dairy affected products.

This voluntary recall includes Products with the following UPC:

• Cowboy Cookies 6oz. Plastic Bag With 2 Cookies 893410000018 00497, 00504, 0051
• Cowgirl Cookies 893410000056 00493, 00503, 0051
• Peanut Butter Classics 893410000025 00496, 0050
• Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge 893410001008 00499, 00415, 0051
• Gluten Free Triple Choc. Mint 893410001122 0050
• Gluten Free Chocolate Chip 893410001015 0050
• Lovely Oh's 8oz. Plastic Clamshell Container 893410002111 00501, 0051
• Mint Lovely Oh's 893410002159 00501, 0051
• Peanut Butter Lovely Oh's 893410002289 00501, 0051
• Organic Pretzels 893410002081 00501, 00513

It is important to note that, the lot number for the 6oz. plastic bags is stamped on each 12-unit case box, not printed on each package. Lot number for the 8oz. containers is printed on a sticker affixed to each unit, along with a best-by date.

The recall was initiated after one allergic reaction to dairy was reported. Production will resume on November 24, 2010 with 100% dairy free chocolate and updated product packaging. If you any of these products in a retail store or had them shipped between October 4, 2010 and November 15, 2010, you are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

More Information @: Voluntary Recall

Contact:
Dan Holtz
802-793-4956 (8am-5pm EST)
www.lizlovely.com

Source: FDA

E.coli Contamination in Gorgonzola Cheese Sold at Costco

Colorado State health department officials have issued a warning to consumers who purchased Mauri Gorgonzola Cheese @ Costco with sell by dates January 13, 2011, and January 14, 2011. E. Coli O157:H was found in an unopened package that was tested at the state health department's lab. Consequently, its distributor, DPI Specialty Foods of Tualatin, Ore., has issued a recall for this product.


Consumers should note that this cheese was sold only at the Costco stores in Colorado. It is packaged in clear plastic in 1 lb. wedges and can be identified by information contained on a white sticker on the package: DISTRIBUTED BY DPI Specialty Foods Tualatin, OR, ITALY 34449" with sell by dates of "01/13/11" or "01/14/11." The Costco item number is 34449.

The FDA advises consumers against eating this cheese. You can return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it in a closed plastic bag. Place the bag in a sealed trash can that prevents people and animals (including wild animals), from eating the product.

The FDA advises that E. coli O157:H7 infection can lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramps. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a severe infection. Rarely, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome can occur (as symptoms of diarrhea improve); this can happen at any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and in older adults. People with hemolytic uremic syndrome should be hospitalized immediately, as their kidneys may stop working and they may be at risk for other serious health problems.

State health officials urge persons with signs or symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 to contact their health care provider. The latter should immediately report any suspected infection to state or local public health authorities.

Costco has removed the cheese from its stores and using card purchase records, has notified consumers by phone of the situation.

Contact:
Lori Maldonado
Deputy Director, Office of Communications
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Cell: 303-921-8598
Email: lori.maldonado@state.co.us

Consumers with questions contact DPI Specialty Foods @: 1-800-597-3876.

Source: FDA