Mt. Vikos, Inc., Marshfield, MA 02050 is voluntarily recalling all size packages and all lot numbers of Mt. Vikos Brand Manouri – Sheep & Goat’s Milk Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The cheese is distributed in clear plastic packaging for the retail market in 4oz portions with the Mt. Vikos Manouri label. In addition the cheese is distributed in approximately 1 Kilogram logs in clear plastic packaging with the Mt. Vikos Manouri label. Customers who purchase the food service log may repackage the cheese in food service / deli counter random weight packages for consumers. The company is asking food service customers to notify consumers who may have purchased the product.
- Retail Portions: Mt. Vikos Manouri – Sheep & Goat’s Milk Cheese, Net Wt. 4 oz, UPC# 6-65291-00201-2, All Best Before dates
- Food Service: Mt. Vikos Manouri – Sheep & Goat’s Milk Cheese, Random Wt. logs (approximately 1 Kilogram), All Best By dates
Mt. Vikos Manouri cheese was distributed nationwide to customers for the retail and food service markets. The company has notified their customers and has pulled the product from retail stores and the food service market. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem
The company determined through independent laboratory testing that one lot (Best Before: DEC-11-2010, Lot: 222418) of Mt. Vikos Manouri cheese, 4 oz, which was distributed to the marketplace, has been confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes. However, as precaution the company is recalling all Best By Dates for both items that are currently in the marketplace. Mt. Vikos is working with the FDA to conduct this recall.
These products should be destroyed immediately. Consumers who have purchased Mt. Vikos brand Manouri cheese are urged to return it the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers or Consumers with questions may contact the company at 781-834-0828 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Eastern time.
Source: FDA