A Maryland Dairy is recalling all of its cheese products after health authorities warned they could be contaminated with listeria.
Clover Hill Dairy in Mechanicsville, Maryland, has agreed to voluntary recall all cheese products it makes, including ricotta, cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack and other varieties, according to an announcement Sunday from the Maryland Department of Health.
Health officials said eight listeria infections and one death may be linked to recalled cheese.
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Ricotta cheese is presented in a bowl with basil and tomatoes. Clover Hill Dairy has recalled certain soft ricotta cheese products due to possible listeria contamination, federal health officials said. (iStock/iStock)
“The establishment has agreed to initiate a voluntary recall for all of its cheese products,” the Maryland Department of Health said.
The recall expands on an earlier recall involving Clover Hill soft ricotta cheese sold May 4-30 in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, DC.
The recalled ricotta was sold in 10-, 12- and 14-ounce clamshell containers. Some packages may list plant number 24-128 on the label. The cheese was sold through retail stores, bulk distributors and direct to consumer sales, according to a June 9 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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This image shows a container of recalled Clover Hill Dairy Soft Ricotta with Jalapeños.
The recalled cheese may also have been sold in 5- and 2-gallon bulk pails and repackaged under other brands, including KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO and RIO LINDO.
Maryland health officials suspended the dairy’s license on May 30 due to the public health risk.
Listeria can cause fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The bacteria can be particularly dangerous to young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, listeria can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, according to the FDA.
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A retail price list from Clover Hill Dairy shows several varieties of cheese sold by the Maryland dairy. (Maryland Department of Health)
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Consumers who purchased the recalled cheese should not eat it and should return it to the place of purchase in its original packaging for a full refund.
“The board and staff of Clover Hill Dairy sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and difficulty caused by this recall, and we sincerely hope to correct this issue as soon as it is safe to do so,” the company said in the June 9 recall notice.
FOX Business could not immediately reach Clover Hill Dairy for comment.
