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FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. |
Contact:
Ashe County Cheese Co.
800-445-1378
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- West Jefferson, NC -- October 16, 2003 --- Ashe County Cheese Company of West Jefferson, North Carolina, a division of Newburg Corners Cheese, Inc., is voluntarily recalling 237 cases, (2133 lbs.), of Mexican style Quesco Fresco cheese because it may contain the bacteria Listeria Monocytogenes; an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, an others with impaired immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
This product is packaged under the Margarita brand name in 12-ounce plastic packages with the expiration date of November 6, 2003 and code number 37-77 stamped on the package.
According to the distributing agent, the product was distributed to supermarkets in the Indianapolis and Detroit areas.
This voluntary recall is being initiated after results of a routine Food and Drug Administration sampling of the product showed it may be contaminated. The manufacture and distribution of this product by Ashe County Cheese Company has been suspended pending a Company investigation to determine the source of contamination.
Consumers who have this product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Questions regarding this recall should be directed to the recall coordinator of Ashe County Cheese Company telephone number: 800-445-1378.
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