The Little Milk Company in Ireland is recalling a batch of Organic Irish Cheddar Cheese for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to a notice posted on the Food Safety Authority of Ireland website. We are telling you about this because this dairy does sell some cheeses in New York City in the United States according to information on its website; we just don’t know exactly where.
In Ireland, the recalled cheeses include Organic Mild Cheddar sold in 135 gram packages; Milk Organic Wedge in 1 kg packages, and Grated Cheese in 2 kg packages. The batch number is B82. The best before dates on these cheeses are: 18/12/2017, 01/01/2018, 14/01/2018, 25/01/2018, 12/02/2018, 05/03/2018, 12/03/2018, 26/03/2018, 17/07/2018. The sizes, batch number, and best before dates on cheese sold in NYC may be different. If you aren’t sure if you’ve purchased the recalled cheeses, ask your retailer.
Because some of these best by dates are so far in the future, there is a good chance that people have these cheeses in their homes. If you do, and the cheeses match the batch number, specific types indicated, and best before dates, throw it away. Do not use the cheese even if you intend to cook with it. It should be discarded in a sealed package to keep others from accessing it. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling these products.
Then you need to clean out your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill any bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria grow at temperatures below 40°F. Once the bacteria is established in an environment it is very difficult to eradicate. Listeria contamination can affect other foods in your refrigerator.
Use 1 tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. Rinse the fridge shelves after you have disinfected them.
If you ate these cheeses, monitor your health for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. That’s how long it can take for the illness to appear. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women need to be very cautious about this illness, since it can cause serious issues such as miscarriage and stillbirth, even though the woman is only mildly ill. If you do feel sick, go to your doctor and tell her you ate this recalled cheese product.
