Apple Tree Goat Dairy initiated a recall of four varieties of goat cheese due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is a biological organism that causes serious and potentially fatal infections in immunocompromised individuals, the frail or elderly, and young children. The bacteria Listeria also poses unique threats to pregnant women, who are substantially more likely to contract the disease.
Threat Detection: Proactive Surveillance a Continued Success
Apple Tree Goat Dairy distributed the recalled goat cheese – described in detail below – in Washington DC, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Distribution of the cheeses occurred through Lancaster co-op.
The recall, initiated prior to the report of any Listeria case linked to the cheeses, once again shows the value of proactive and preventative measures: samples obtained and tested as part of a routine sampling program by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture proved to contain Listeria monocytogenes.
According to Apple Tree Goat Dairy, the company is “currently working with PA Department of Agriculture to resolve the issue.”
Products Affected by Goat Cheese Recall
The Richfield, Pennsylvania company recall affects four goat cheeses distributed in Washington DC, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Lancaster co-op distributed all of the implicated Apple Tree Goat Dairy products, which consist of the following cheeses: Feta Cheese aged 60 days, Gouda Cheese aged 60 days, Pasteurized Chévre, and French Herb Chévre.
Feta Cheese (Aged 60 Days): Lot #836 constitutes the sole lot of Feta Cheese involved in the outbreak. The potentially contaminated product has an expiration date of 12/16, and by all indications was packaged in shrink wrap.
Gouda Cheese (Aged 60 Days): Testing also identified Gouda Cheese Lot #426 as potentially contaminated with Listeria. Lot #426 contains both 8 oz. and 5 lb. shrink-wrapped square blocks of cheese, and both sizes are subject to recall.adulterated cheese has an expiration date of 12/16, and by all indications was packaged in shrink wrap.
Pasteurized Chévre: The company recall affects both 8 ounce and 5 pound packages of Pasteurized Chévre Lot #816. Apple Tree Goat Dairy packaged the 8 oz. packages from Lot #816 in shrink-wrapped bags, while the 5 pound packages “may also have been in 5 lb. plastic tubs.”
French Herb Chévre: Lot #736 of the company’s French Herb Chévre “was packaged in 8 oz. Shrink bag[s]” and “may also have been in 5 lb. plastic tubs.”
Anyone who purchased recalled product(s) should not consume them. Instead, the company urges consumers to contact the place of purchase for a full refund.
If you or a family member became ill have been diagnosed with Listeria and you would like to explore pursuing a legal claim, contact an attorney at Ron Simon & Associates for a free case evaluation by calling 1-888-335-4901 or filling out our free case evaluation form. Attorneys at Ron Simon & Associates have represented victims in past Listeria outbreaks, including the Blue Bell outbreak in 2015.
