A New York dairy distributor is recalling packages of Requeson cheese after state inspectors detected possible listeria contamination, prompting a warning for consumers not to eat the product.
Nelson & Isa Lacteos LLC, based in Bay Shore, announced the recall for 1-pound packages of Requeson cheese that were sold at retail locations across New York between May 15 and May 28. The company said the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.
Health officials say young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe illness. Pregnant women infected with listeria can also experience miscarriages or stillbirths.
According to the recall notice, the contamination was discovered after sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors. Laboratory testing identified Listeria monocytogenes in an 18-pound container of Clover Hill Dairy Requeson Cheese with a sell-by date of June 14 and batch number 2AA051526. The affected product had been repackaged into the recalled 1-pound containers.
The company said the cheese may have been repacked by retailers, meaning labels and coding could vary depending on where it was purchased. No illnesses or consumer complaints had been reported as of the recall announcement.
Consumers who purchased the recalled cheese are urged not to consume it and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions about the recall can be directed to the company during normal business hours.
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