California-based Karoun Dairies has voluntarily recalled a variety of cheeses over concerns that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled products are vacuum packed in jars or in pails and are sold under the brands Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, and Yanni. The weight of the products ranges from 5 ounces to 30 pounds.
The company stated that there may be a link between its cheese products and the recent cases of listeriosis identified by FDA and CDC. Hence, it has stopped the distribution of cheeses and is cooperating with FDA to identify the source of the issue.
So far, none of the company's products have come out positive for Listeria. Neverthesless, the company stated that it has initiated a voluntary recall as a precautionary measure.
The recalled products were distributed across food service accounts and supermarkets in the US. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products have been requested to either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious to fatal infections in young children, and elderly people, and those with a weak immunity. Persons affected may experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diahrrea. It may even cause miscarriages and stillbirths even in pregnant women.
