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NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Great Lakes Cheese Co., Inc.
          1-800-677-1121

For Immediate Release

Great Lakes Cheese Co., Inc. Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk

HIRAM, OH (November 14, 2000) - Great Lakes Cheese Co., Inc. of Hiram OH is recalling 440 lbs. of Red Wax Wedges (coded 4/11/01) because they have 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.

Product was distributed in Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and Southwest Georgia through Bruno's Supermarkets, Inc. The product is colored Cheddar in a wedge shape with a red wax rind and in a clear package. The cheese wedges are date stamped, weighed, and priced in the deli where purchased and would have been available for sale between October 16 and November 3rd. Each wedge would carry a Great Lakes Cheese "Hoop" Cheddar label.

Great Lakes Cheese has indicated this item being recalled is the only Great Lakes Cheese item made from bulk cheese recalled by Hill & Valley Cheese Co.. No other Great Lakes Cheese items are affected by the recall. Routine testing of samples collected at Hill & Valley Cheese, the producer of this product, revealed the presence of the bacteria in finished product. Wisconsin Hill & Valley Cheese Co. has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. No illnesses have been reported to date in relation to the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Great Lakes Cheese "Hoop" Cheese in red wax wedges from a Bruno's Supermarket deli between Oct.16 and November 3 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Great Lakes Cheese at 1-800-677-1121.


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