Listeria found in sample of Mecox Sunrise cheese
Cheese that was distributed and sold at seven retail locations and one restaurant on Eastern Long Island, New York, and that was served at one restaurant in Chicago, Illinois, has been recalled after a sample was found to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. The New York State Agriculture and Markets Division of Milk Control found listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Mecox Sunrise cheese during routine testing.
The company that produces the cheese, Mecox Bay Dairy, LLC, based in Bridgehampton, New York, recalled its Mecox Sunrise washed-rind Tomme style cheese after the listeria contamination was discovered. The recalled cheese was distributed in a clear plastic package marked with “Mecox Sunrise” cheese label. All affected Mecox Sunrise has been removed from all stores and restaurants.
In addition, Mecox Bay Diary has suspended production of its Mecox Sunrise washed-rind Tomme style cheese while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), New York State Agriculture and Markets, and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem. Consumers who have purchased any Mecox Sunrise cheese are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
For more information about Listeria, or previous Listeria Outbreaks, click he
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