Urgent: Cheese Recall at Aldi and Other Stores - What You Need to Know
Have you recently purchased cheese from Aldi or other grocery stores? You might want to check your refrigerator. Several brands of cheese have been recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This bacteria can cause serious illness, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Here's what you need to know:
Which Cheese Brands are Recalled?
The recall affects several brands of cheese, including:
- Aldi: Private label cheese products sold under the "Friendly Farms" and "Earth Grown" brands.
- Other Retailers: Several other brands of cheese are also included in the recall, which may be sold at different grocery stores. Check the full list on the FDA website for a comprehensive list of brands and products affected.
What Products are Affected?
The recall applies to various cheese types, including:
- Cheddar cheese
- Colby cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Other cheese blends
Check the packaging of your cheese to see if it matches the details provided in the recall announcement. The announcement will specify the specific products included in the recall, as well as the production dates and lot numbers.
What Should You Do If You Have Recalled Cheese?
If you have any of the recalled cheese products, do not consume them. You should:
- Discard the cheese immediately.
- Do not try to return it to the store.
- Contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to get a refund or replacement product.
- Clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese.
Why is Listeria a Concern?
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. This infection can lead to:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
Symptoms of listeriosis can appear up to 70 days after eating contaminated food. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating cheese, seek medical attention immediately.
Staying Safe: Food Safety Tips
To prevent foodborne illness, follow these food safety tips:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with food.
- Cook meat and poultry to the proper internal temperature.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
- Check the expiration dates on all food products.
The recall is a serious matter and the safety of consumers is paramount. By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from potential illness.
For more information and updates on this recall, visit the FDA website. You can also contact the manufacturer of the recalled cheese products directly.