Random testing by state officials has found E. coli contamination in cotija cheese, spurring a recall in five states.
The New York company Quesos La Ricura Ltd. is recalling an undisclosed number of packages of the cheese because they may be contaminated with Shiga toxin producing E. coli bacteria, according to test results from Florida inspectors.
Quesos La Ricura Ltd. reported distributing the cheese to retail stores in New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Florida, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The notice did not include any product photographs.
The cheese is packaged on yellow foam trays wrapped in plastic with labels with the following information: “Quesos La Ricura Queso Cotija, Cotija Cheese aged over 60 days” UPC: 7 69087 00933 6 and a weight of 12 oz. “Sell By” date May 20, 2020-3/ May 20, 2020-4.
No illnesses had been confirmed in relation to consumption of this cheese as of the posting of the recall notice.
Consumers who have purchased Quesos La Ricura Cotija Cheese are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 516-932-5756.
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