Soft Cheese Recall: Listeria Risk Prompts Warning in 6 States

Soft Cheese Recall

A recent soft cheese recall has been issued due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness. The recall affects packaged “Autumn Turkey Sandwich” products sold under the “CIBUS Fresh,” “Jack & Olive,” and “Sprig and Sprout” brand names. These products were found to contain Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie, which may have been contaminated during processing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted the recall notice on Friday, prompting warnings in six states.

The recall began when Savencia Cheese USA, a Pennsylvania-based company, announced the expansion of a previous recall to include Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie after discovering that the cheese-making equipment could have been contaminated with Listeria. Following this, Indiana-based CIBUS Fresh expanded the recall to include the autumn turkey sandwiches containing the cheese. These sandwiches were sold in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Consumers who purchased these sandwiches are urged to dispose of the products immediately and not consume them, with refunds available at the point of purchase.

The specific products involved in the recall include the CIBUS Fresh Autumn Turkey Sandwich (9.65oz, item code "79616," UPC "00810028251915," expiration dates from 11/02/24 to 11/09/24), the Jack & Olive Autumn Turkey Sandwich (9.65oz, item code "79615," UPC "00810028251915," expiration dates from 11/02/24 to 11/09/24), and the Sprig and Sprout Autumn Turkey Sandwich (9.65oz, item code "84408," UPC "00810028251915," expiration dates from 11/03/24 to 11/09/24).

The recall was initiated after concerns over contamination, and while CIBUS Fresh confirmed that no other products from the company were affected, they are working with retailers to remove these items from store shelves. Listeria monocytogenes is a serious foodborne pathogen that can lead to listeriosis, an infection that can cause severe symptoms such as fever, headaches, and muscle aches. The infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. In some cases, listeriosis can be fatal.

Though rare, listeriosis outbreaks can be serious, as seen in the recent Boar’s Head deli meat recall, which resulted in 10 deaths and at least 59 illnesses. The CDC notes that many cases go unreported, as some people recover without medical care. Pregnant women are especially at risk, as Listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection in newborns. The recall serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with foodborne illnesses and the importance of following product recalls to protect public health.

Soft Cheese Recall: Listeria Risk Prompts Warning in 6 States