According to a press release issued on September 17, Peterson Company is recalling their Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese that came from its supplier Forever Cheese of Long Island City, NY. Forever Cheese recalled this product due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that 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. Last week on September 12, Whole Foods announced that it was recalling its ricotta salata sold in 21 states and Washington, D.C. that also came from the supplier Forever Cheese Inc. The Peterson Company cheese was sold to distributors, retailers, and restaurants in Washington and Oregon between July 17 and September 10. It was cut into 7 ounce pieces with the manufacturer codes 7022, 7212, 7272 and 7432. There is a total of 390 pounds in distribution. The potential for contamination was flagged after an illness was reported in connection with consuming the cheese. Every distributor, retailer and restaurant has been contacted in an effort to recall any and all remaining product in the marketplace. If you believe that you have purchased this cheese, please contact your distributor or retailer for a full refund. If you have any questions, please call Peterson Company at 253-249-2453; ask for Scott Williams or Kelly Beale Monday through Friday 9am–5pm PST and mention “Recall,” or email Recall@petersoncheese.com. It is the responsibility of retail food distribution companies and services to follow FDA established safety and cleanliness protocols. If you believe that you or a member of your family has been sickened because of a violation, please contact Finkelstein & Partners immediately.
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