Brie and Camembert cheeses sold nationwide in the US and Mexico have been recalled after being linked to a Listeria outbreak that led to 6 cases of the infection from 2017 to 2022, according to a press release.
Old Europe Cheese, Inc. Friday issued a voluntary recall for Brie and Camembert cheeses distributed from August 1 to September 28 with expiration dates until December 14 after conducting a full environmental audit of 120 samples of its products and facilities. The audit found that one of the samples from the facilities tested positive for Listeria.
Listeria is an infection that can cause serious illness when bacteria spread from the gut to other parts of the body, especially in the over 65s, pregnant women, immunocompromised, and newborns. a food safety warning issued by the CDC. The infection can lead to mild symptoms of food poisoning, but in severe cases can lead to pregnancy loss, premature birth, and death in newborns.
The products that were recalled were sold under 25 different brand names, including Black Bear and Trader Joe, and in stores such as Whole Foods, Stop & Shop and Lidl, among many more, according to the CDC.
The CDC now recommends that anyone who purchased the products throw them away and clean any surfaces the cheese has touched. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and spread to other foods and surfaces, the CDC says.
Old Europe Cheese, Inc. has ceased production of its Brie and Camembert products until further notice and is working with state and federal authorities to ensure the recall is swift and efficient.
“The source of potential contamination has been identified and Old Europe Cheese is taking active steps to eliminate it,” the Michigan-based cheese company said in a statement. “Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused by this situation.”
Requests for Comments from Old Europe Cheese, Inc. were not returned immediately.
Old Europe Cheese has set up a telephone line to answer any questions about the recall. The number is 269-925-5003 ext 335 and is open Monday through Friday 9am-12:30am and 2pm-4pm ET.