Whole Foods Recalls Cheese in 21 States and in Washington, D.C.

According to a press release issued on September 12, Whole Foods Market announced that it is recalling its ricotta salata sold in 21 states and Washington, D.C. that came from the supplier Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, NY.  Forever Cheese recalled this product because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer from short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; however, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The recalled Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese was cut into wedges, packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label using PLU 293427. All “sell by” dates through Oct. 2 are affected. Fourteen illnesses have been reported which may be associated with the recall. Whole Foods Market stores in the following states are affected: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. Signage has been posted in Whole Foods Market stores to notify customers of this recall. Customers who have purchased this product from Whole Foods may return it to the store for a full refund, and call with questions 512-542-0060 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. 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.