Green Cedar Dairy of Dearborn, MI, is recalling two varieties of cheese following reports that two people in the area are sick with Listeria infections and lab tests confirmed the cheese is contaminated.

ackawicheese-350.jpg

The two recent cases of listeriosis may be the result of exposure to the dairy’s cheese, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Wayne County Public Health Department, which are investigating the illnesses. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria were confirmed in samples of All Natural Chives Cheese collected from Green Cedar Dairy, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Laboratory said in a news release.

The dairy said it is cooperating with the investigation.

chivescheese-350.jpg

The recall is for All Natural Ackawi Cheese and All Natural Chives Cheese from Plant # 26941 with sell-by dates, marked on the back of the package, up to July 1, 2012. The cheeses, packaged in approximately 12-14 oz. squares vacuum-sealed in clear plastic, were distributed to Michigan bakeries and retail stores in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Retail stories should stop selling the cheeses immediately, restaurants should not serve them and consumers are being advised not to eat the recalled cheese, the dairy advised in its recall alert. The recalled cheese can be returned to the place of purchase. 

For more information about the recall contact Wessam Harb at 313-584-4499, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. (ET).

Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The very young, the pregnant, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to infection. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.