The Walnut Cheese Company of Illinois, doing business as Avanti Foods, is recalling some mozzarella cheese products because they may contain beta-lactam antibiotic residues.
In a news release, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said it discovered the problem during a routine review of the cheese plant’s drug residue screening log, which indicated one load of raw milk was not tested as required.
To date, both IDPH and the cheese plant have not received any reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products. But individuals who are allergic to antibiotics may have adverse reactions, such as anaphylaxis, cardiac arrhythmias, endocrine abnormalities and cutaneous eruptions.
The voluntary recall involves mozzarella cheese products that were manufactured on April 21, 2011, with the following identifying details:
— Bulk String 6/5# case with pack date of 4/22/2011
— 8 ounce String Cheese packages with a sell by date of 8/20/11
— Bulk Shredded Mozzarella 5/5# case with a pack date of 4/25/2011
The products were sold at various grocery stores, pizzerias and convenience stores across Illinois. Consumers may return products to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact Walnut Cheese Company at 815-379-2155.
