Queseria Bendita LLC Recalls Fresh Cheeses and Sour Cream Because of Possible Health Risk

January 23, 2015 — Queseria Bendita LLC of Yakima, Washington is recalling all lots of Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, Cotija fresh soft cheese products and Sour Cream to include ALL Best By Dates because of a 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.

Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, Cotija fresh soft cheese products and Sour Cream were distributed to Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon and the firm also sold products from its on-site store in Yakima, Washington.

The recalled products are packaged with clear plastic wrapper or plastic tub, and the best by dates are stamp coded next to a label. The products are refrigerated and have the shelf life of up to 90 days. The last date of distribution of recalled products is January 15, 2015.

The products being recalled are identified in the table below:

Product	package size	container type	UPC	Best By Date
Panela	1 lb.	plastic wrap	6 10074 99341 4	ALL
Queso Fresco	1 lb.	plastic wrap	0 94922 10602 5	ALL
Queso Fresco	3 lbs.	plastic wrap	None	ALL
Requeson	1 lb.	Tub	0 94922 10603 2	ALL
Sour Cream/Crema Agria	1 lb.	Tub	0 94922 10608 7	none
Cotija Cheese	1 lb.	plastic wrap		none

Up to date, there are a total of three (3) cases of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to consumption of soft cheese produced by Queseria Bendita, including two hospitalizations and one death.
The recall was the result of the investigation and samples collection by the Food and Drug Administration. The company has currently agreed to cease the production and distribution of all products.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers and retailers are advised to remove recalled products off the store shelves and destroy. Consumers with questions can call the firm at 509-961-8949 between 8 am-4 pm PST.