FDA Warns Of Contamination In Estrella Cheeses

September 7, 2010 24590 Comments2010-09-07+09%3A26%3A13Ben+Nash

Jeehan Fernandez – AHN News Writer

Montesano, Washington, United States (AHN) – Consumers are warned to discard cheeses from Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, Washington, because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the US Food and Drug Administration said in an advisory.

“Environmental samples and one product sample collected during an August 2010 inspection at the facility have tested positive for L. mono,” the FDA assessed.

The FDA warning affects all lots of Estrella Family Creamery cheeses, including cheeses identified as soft, semi-soft, semi-hard and hard.

FDA said the cheeses have the potential to be contaminated with L. mono and may cause serious illness. FDA advised consumers who have the cheeses to throw them away.

Estrella manufactures at least 18 varieties of soft ripened, semi-soft, semi-hard and hard cheeses made from raw cow or goat milk and aged 60 days or longer. The cheeses are sold in wheels or cut to order for retail markets, and do not contain lot codes, according to the FDA.

While a complete product list is not available, FDA identified some of the varieties that have been produced by Estrella as Black Creek Buttery, Dominoes, Guapier, Grisdale Goat, Subblime, Partly Sunny, Wynoochee River Blue, Caldwell Crik Chevrette, Old Apple Tree Tomme, Valentina, Vineyard Tomme, Brewleggio, Red Darla, Reposée, Bea Truffled, Jalapeño Buttery and Weebles.

Estrella cheeses are sold at specialty cheese shops, farmers markets, the company’s farm store in Montesano and through the Internet. The company also sells to restaurants and takes part in cheese contests where its products are sold.

The company had previously recalled cheeses due to L. mono contamination but resumed marketing in May, FDA noted.

L. mono is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems, the agency explained.

Listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Consumers who have experienced symptoms of illness from the consumption of Estrella cheeses should contact their health care professionals.

Consumers may also contact their local FDA complaint coordinator in their state or call 888-INFO-FDA to report problems or illnesses related to the cheese.

FDA will continue its investigation, working with state and local officials, and will consider taking any further action that may be necessary.