Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Imported Frescolina Brand Ricotta Salata Cheese

http//www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cheese-09-12/index.html

As of September 11, 2012, a total of 14 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Listeriamonocytogenes have been reported from 11 states and the District of Columbia.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: California (1), Colorado (1), District of Columbia (1), Maryland (3), Minnesota (1), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (1), New York (1), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (1), and Virginia (1).

All 14 ill persons have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported. Listeriosis contributed to at least one of these deaths.

Collaborative investigation efforts of local, state, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that imported ricotta salata cheese is the likely source of this outbreak.

On September 10, 2012, Forever Cheese, Inc. Voluntarily recalled one lot of Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The cheese was sold to distributors for retailers and restaurants in California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington between June 20, 2012 and August 9, 2012.

Consumers who purchased recalled Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese are advised not to eat it and to discard any remaining cheese. This is especially important for pregnant women, persons with weakened immune systems, and older adults. When in doubt, throw it out.

CDC will update the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available.

Posted by George Daniels on Monday September 17 2012, 3:43 AM EST. Ref: CDC. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0