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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:
Javier Peregrina
718-456-2391
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Brooklyn, NY -- February 5, 2004 --Peregrina Cheese Co. located at Ten Eyck Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206 is recalling 14-oz. packages of "Queso Fresco" Fresh Cheese, a soft Mexican-style cheese, code 1635, 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.
The recalled "Queso Fresco" Fresh Cheese was distributed to retail stores in metro New York City and northern New Jersey.
The "Queso Fresco" Fresh Cheese is packaged in clear, rigid plastic containers with Plant # 36-8431 and an adhesive sticker bearing code “1635”.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The contamination was noted after testing by the US Food and Drug Administration revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 14-oz. packages of "Queso Fresco" Fresh Cheese, code 1635.
The FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.
Consumers who have purchased 14-oz. packages of "Queso Fresco" Fresh Cheese, code 1635, are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-456-2391.
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