Estancia Holdings, a renowned food company, has recently issued a recall for its Tome Corse Sheep Ottavi cheese due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall specifically affects Estancia Holdings’ Tome Corse Sheep Ottavi cheese, which is more specifically labeled Fromager Ottavi Tome De Brebis Sheep Milk Cheese. The affected cheese is packaged in 2 x 3.5kg sized packages, and it has a use by date of 08/05/2023. The lot number of the affected package is VC349.
The affected products were distributed to multiple locations across different states. The distributor was located in Portland Oregon, but all direct customers that received the packages were contacted by the distributor. Consumers are urged to check the labeling of their cheese products to determine if they have purchased any of the affected batches.
Although no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cheese, consumers are advised to exercise caution. If consumers have purchased any of the affected products, they should refrain from consuming them and dispose of them properly or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
The recall was initiated after routine testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the affected cheese. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The CDC provides a list of ways to avoid contracting listeria monocytogenes: Do not eat unpasteurized soft cheeses, unheated cheese and meat from the deli, premade deli salads, refrigerated pâté, refrigerated smoked fish, raw sprouts, and raw unpasteurized milk, yogurt, and ice cream.
According to the FDA, common symptoms of listeria monocytogenes can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the listeriosis becomes more severe, it can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The symptoms can be much more severe for children under the age of 3, people older than 60, and people with weakened immune systems. Extreme symptoms might include death.
According to one national food poisoning lawyer, “soft cheeses are very common sources for listeria monocytogenes due to the high moisture, low salt content, and low acidity.”
