La Nica Products, Inc. of Miami, FL is recalling six thousand pounds of 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 headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The Queso Duro Blando / Hard White Cheese (Morolique) was distributed only in the state of California through supermarkets and other retail stores.
The cheese being recalled comes in one pound opaque plastic bags (16 oz.) with the name:
- Quesos De La Costa
- Queso Duro Blando
- Hard Soft Cheese
The name is surrounded by an orange border and there is a small cow on the label. It is a white cheese. The cheese has an expiration date of August 31, 2017 and a UPC code of 8 52304 74023 2. The lot number of this cheese is 254.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall is the result of sampling by the Florida Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product. This recall is being done with the knowledge of the FDA.
Consumers who have purchased “Quesos de la Costa Arrocero Queso Duro Blando Hard White Morolique” are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-305-621-8810 any time Monday through Sunday between 9AM and 5PM Eastern Standard Time.
Source: FDA