Blue Cheese (Photo : Reuters/Philippe Wojazer)
Whole Foods Market is recalling a type of blue cheese that is sold nationwide in its stores, due to a possible bacteria contamination discovered after an inspection by the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It announced that the Papillion Organic Roquefort cheese might contain Listeria monocytogenes organisms, which can result in severe and even fatal infections, especially among young children, senior citizens, and people with weak immune systems.
Whole Foods issued the recall after the FDA discovered the listeria bacteria during routine sampling, according to CBS Detroit. It was in a whole, uncut cheese wheel.
The recalled dairy product was cut and packaged in plastic wrap. Whole Foods Market then sold the cheese with scale labels beginning with the code "PLU 029536" attached to it.
Until now no sicknesses or infections linked to the cheese have been reported. The grocery store chain has removed the product from all of its stores' shelves.
Listeria can cause various symptoms. They include severe headaches, high fevers, nausea, stiffness, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women can also experience miscarriages and stillbirths.
Bill Marler is a food safety lawyer. He explained that the incubation period for listeria infections can range from two to 60 days, making it difficult to track, according to ABC News.
Consumers who bought the contaminated cheese can bring their receipt to any Whole Foods store, to receive a full refund. They should call their local store if they have any questions.
Last month a California company recalled many brands of soft cheese. They were connected to 24 illnesses throughout the U.S., and one death in Ohio.
This video explains what listeria is:
