Forever Cheese has cut ties with one of its suppliers after Ricotta Salata cheese was identified as the source of an outbreak of listeria in the US that has been linked to the death of three people.
The company announced it has stopped importing and selling all products produced by Fattorie Chiarappa Srl.
Forever Cheese said Ricotta Salata Frescolina, Marte brand Roasted Ricotta and Hard Ricotta Salata will be discontinued immediately.
“We are contacting all of our customers asking you to destroy whatever you have in house and to notify us so we may issue you a credit.
“This includes all lots and all production codes of Marte brand Frescolina Ricotta Salata cheese due to the possible contamination from Listeria Monocytogenes,” said a Forever Cheese statement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said 14 people had been infected across 11 states and the District of Columbia, in its joint investigation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health and regulatory officials in several states.