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.

Swiss-American, Inc. Recalls Danish Havarti Due to Possible Health Risk

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Donna Baliva
          800 325-8150

For Immediate Release

St. Louis, MO - November 21, 2002 -- Swiss-American, Inc. of St. Louis, MO is recalling cut pieces of Imported Danish Garden Danish Havarti Plain, Prima Della Imported Danish Havarti Plain and Schnucks Imported Danish Havarti Plain, because it has the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in your 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.

Cut Imported Danish Garden Danish Havarti Plain, cut Prima Della Imported Danish Havarti Plain and cut Schnucks Imported Danish Havarti were distributed through retail grocery stores in the continental United States.

The cut items come in random weight packages of between 7 oz. and 10 oz. with the sell-by dates of November 1, 2002 through February 18, 2003.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Swiss-American was informed that one sample of this product contained listeria monocytogenes on November 20, 2002 and voluntarily ceased shipping this product to stores.

Consumers who have purchased cut Imported Danish Garden Danish Havarti Plain, cut Prima Della Imported Danish Havarti Plain and cut Schnucks Imported Danish Havarti are urged to return same to place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call Swiss-American, Inc. at 1-800-325-8150.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-NOV-22.