Sunny Pine Farm Recalls Goat Cheese For Possible Inadequate Pasteurization

After a routine inspection of Sunny Pine Farm by the Washington State Department of Agriculture found that pasteurization recorder charts did not prove adequate time for pasteurization, the company decided to recall its goat cheese products.  The recall was issued for Organic Chevre, Organic Parsley Chive Chevre and Organic Honey Lavender Chevre sold in plastic 6-ounce tubs in the Twisp-Winthrop area of Washington State.  Recalled cheese sold at retail stores and through community-supported agriculture (CSA) have an expiration date of Oct. 16.  Products sold at Methow Valley Farmers Market between July 27 and Oct. 12 have also been recalled. These products were not labeled with an expiration date.  Sunny Pine does not know of any illness or complaints associated with the recalled products, and it is possible they were adequately pasteurized, but the company decided to recall any products which could affect consumer safety. Improper pasteurization can fail to eliminate illness-causing bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella.  Sunny Pine Farm has not received any complaints of illness from customers since starting organic goat cheese production in 2007 and has not previously recalled any products.  Consumers who have purchased these products should not consume them and are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.