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Stonefelt & Co. Recalls Greenbank Farms Organic Medium Cheddar Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Rodger Stonefelt
          (425) 222-5500

For Immediate Release -- Expanded Recall

Preston, WA - August 1, 2000 - Stonefelt & Co. is recalling 1,260 lbs. of Greenbank Farms Organic Medium Cheddar Cheese because it has the 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.

This is an expansion of the recall notification of 7/26/00 which states that Greenbank Farms Organic Medium Cheddar Cheese was distributed through Quality Food Centers, Inc. (QFC) in Washington and Orgeon. The product was also distributed to other retail outlets in Washington; Oregon; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Point Reyes and Middletown, California.

The product is packaged in 2" x 2" x 5" sticks with skintight vacuum packaging. It is sold in the deli locations of the QFC stores and retail outlets. Packages are 8-15 oz. in weight. All codes are affected.

No confirmed illnesses have been reported.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Consumers who have purchased Greenbank Farms Organic Medium Cheddar Cheese are urged to return product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-425-222-5500.

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Hypertext uploaded by tg 2000-AUG-14.