Made Fresh Salads Inc. of Bay Shore, NY, is recalling assorted flavors of cream cheese because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The cream cheese was distributed in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and New York City area by direct delivery to retail stores and distributors. Products are distributed in 5-pound white plastic tubs with a Made Fresh Salads label. The flavors being recalled are as follows with expiration dates marked in the bottom left corner of the label.
5 lb. tub Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Caramel Apple Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Blueberry Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Jalapeno Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Jalapeno Cheddar Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Lox Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Scallion Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Strawberry Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Sundried Tomato Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Vegetable Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Walnut Raisin Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Whipped Cream Cheese
5 lb. tub Tofu Whipped
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that a part of the mixer used to manufacture finished products was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company has ceased production using the mixer in question and removed it from service.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled cream cheese and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
