Listeria Detection in Cheese Prompts Recall in California

According to Food Safety News, a California company has recalled 133 pounds of cheese after a contamination of Listeria monocytogenes was revealed. The contamination was discovered by both internal testing at the company and by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The recalled cheese is called Big Wood Blue and is marked with a pack date of April 25, 2012. The contaminated products were distributed to restaurants and retail stores in the states of California, North Carolina, and Florida.

To date, no illnesses have been linked to the recalled cheese products.

Exposure to Listeria monocytogenes can cause a bacterial infection in the body known as Listeriosis, a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of 20 percent. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weak immune systems are at a high risk of developing a severe infection. Pregnant women are also at a great risk of developing Listeriosis, and the infection may cause premature labor, a miscarriage, or an infection to the newborn.

“Listeriosis symptoms include chills, fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting,” states Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., EMSL’s Vice President of Microbiology and Life Science. “LA Testing uses various validated methods that are compliant with regulation agencies and offer rapid pathogen screens when necessary.”

To learn more about LA Testing’s lead services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing, Inc.
LA Testing is a local provider of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-866-798-1089

jfrasca@emsl.com