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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:
Ginger Olsen
(707) 442-3209
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Eureka, CA -- July 30, 2003 -- Capricious Cheese Co. of Eureka, CA is recalling 19 wheels of Capricious Washed Curd Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that 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.
Eleven wheels of Capricious Cheese were distributed in California, in retail stores in the San Francisco Bay area and, during June, in Farmer's Markets in San Francisco, Davis, and Arcata.
Capricious Washed Curd Cheese comes in 7-8 pound wheels. There is an identifying green stamp of 01/28/03 on the side and bottom of the cheese. However, since these wheels were sold in slices, there are no identifying characteristics.
There have been NO REPORTS of illness to date.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling by the FDA. One of two cheeses from the 1/28/02 batch was found to be contaminated by the bacteria. The other was negative. It is believed the contamination was on the rind. The company has ceased distribution while they, the FDA, and the CA Dept. of Food & Agriculture continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Consumers who purchased Capricious Cheese during the month of June are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the owner, Ginger Olsen at (707) 442-3209.
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