More Cheese Linked to Listeria Outbreak Recalled

A Washington state-based cheese distributor is recalling 390 pounds of its ricotta cheese because the product is subject to a prior recall after being linked to a multistate Listeria outbreak.  Peterson Company of Auburn, WA issued a voluntary recall of its Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese, distributed by Forever Cheese of Long Island City, NY. Forever Cheese recalled the ricotta last week after illnesses were reported in connection with eating this cheese.  To date, 14 people in 11 states have contracted Listeria infections thought to be linked to Ricotta Salata Frescolina cheese.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested that Peterson issue a separate recall because it had repackaged the cheese purchased from Forever Cheese and issued new item codes for the product, according to a press release from the Washington State Department of Health.  The cheese subject to this latest recall was distributed in Washington and Oregon states between July 17 and September 10, 2012 in 7 ounce pieces bearing manufacturer codes 7022, 7212, 7272 and 7432.  Customers who may have purchased the recalled cheese are urged to contact their distributor or retailer for a full refund. Those with questions can call Peterson Company at 253-249-2453 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST or email Recall@petersoncheese.com.