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STATE COMMISSIONER WARNS CONSUMERS TO DISCARD CONTAMINATED CHEESE

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Jessica Chittenden
          518-457-3136

For Immediate Release

State Commissioner Warns Consumers to Discard Contaminated Cheese

New York - January 11, 2001 - New York State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers today warned consumers not to consume certain containers of Quesos Zurita Mexican White Cheese, manufactured and distributed by Zurita Cheese, 649 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Routine samples taken by Department inspectors reveal the presence of Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The product was sold in 14-ounce foil wrapped packages marked with plant #369630 on the top and an expiration date of January 30, 2001 stamped on the side. The product was distributed throughout the Metropolitan New York City area. Zurita Cheese is voluntarily recalling the product.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.

Consumers who have purchased 14-ounce packages of Zurita Mexican White Cheese are urged to discard all product or return them to the point of purchase.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2001-JAN-16.