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Swiss-American, Inc. Recalls Cut Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar and Cut Big Block Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar Because of Possible Health Risk

NEWS RELEASE



Contact: David Boyd
         1-800-325-8150, ext. 230

For Immediate Release

Spartan Stores, Inc. Recalls Spartan Brand and Home Harvest Brand Chunk Colby Jack Cheese

St. Louis, MO, Nov. 9, 2000 -- Swiss American, Inc. of St. Louis, MO is recalling cut pieces of Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar and cut pieces of big block Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar, 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 health 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.

Cut Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar and big block Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar was distributed through retail grocery stores (deli departments) in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Both recalled items come as red waxed wedges of yellow cheddar cheese with the red and black Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar Label in random weight packages of between 10 oz and 24 oz with the sell-by dates of August 12, 2000 through February 8, 2001.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This cheese was produced by Wisconsin Hill and Valley Cheese Company in Cashton, WI. Sampling o cheese produced at that plant revealed the presence of listeria monocytogenes. Swiss American was informed of this on November 3, 2000 and voluntarily ceased shipping all products produced by that plant.

Consumers who have purchased cut Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar and/or cut big block Bench Cured Hoop Cheddar are urged to return same to place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call Swiss American at 1-800-325-8150.

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