Black mold, rust, and other unsafe conditions found at cheese-making facility
Without admitting or denying allegations made by the US Department of Justice on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Johannes Vulto agreed to shut down his cheese-making operations. Vulto Creamery, LLC, was identified as the source of listeria-contaminated cheese products that caused illnesses in eight people and the death of two people.
Food safety issues that contributed to the listeria contamination were not addressed by Vulto. The complaint filed by the Department of Justice states that Vulto Creamery and its owner, Johannes Vulto, violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by manufacturing and distributing ready-to-eat cheeses contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono).
Vulto apparently did not understand the significance of the listeria contamination and did not realize his plant operations did not comply with basic food safety regulations. In fact, investigations found that the facility was contaminated by a heavy build-up of black mold, in addition to rust and other unsafe conditions.
Vulto Creamery recalled all of its raw milk cheeses that had been distributed nationwide, with most being sold at retail locations in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states; however, the company’s cheeses continued to be prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary conditions.
The company must comply with specific remedies set forth in the court order before they will be able to manufacture or distribute food items again. Vulto must hire a qualified independent expert to develop an effective sanitation control program to adequately control for the risk of listeria.
The people most commonly affected by listeriosis, caused by the consumption of food contaminated by bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, include pregnant women, newborns, individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and cancer patients. Listeria infections are dangerous and without treatment can result in death.
If you were diagnosed with Listeria after consuming any of the listeria contaminated cheeses produced by Vulto Creamery, contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901 to learn more about your options.
