Recall Roundup: Listeria monocytogenes and undeclared allergens

Pathogens

In the UK, Somerset Cheese Company is recalling its Pennard Red Goats Cheese because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in a batch of the product.

The product was sold in 2kg wheels but the recall includes any cut pieces of the cheese. The batch code for the product is 03/10/2022 and the best before date is 28 April 2023.

As well as recalling the product, Somerset Cheese Company has said that point of sale notices will be displayed where the product was sold to explain to customers why the product is being recalled.

Customers that have purchased the affected product have been advised not to eat it, instead they can contact Somerset Cheese Company for a full refund.

Undeclared allergens

Meanwhile in the US, Karma Spices and Trading Company, Michigan is recalling its White Cheddar Cheese Popped Water Lily Seeds as it may contain undeclared milk.

The recalled White Cheddar Cheese Popped Water Lily Seeds were sold at retail stores in Michigan stores and online. 

The product is identifiable by the tan coloured 1.5oz stand up pouch bag and artwork including the words “white cheddar cheese-Popped water lily seeds” on the front.

The affected lot numbers include: 051222, 082222, 111622, 021323. The product UPC is 6 17201 89258 9.

The company has claimed that no illnesses have been reported to date and production of the product has now been suspended until the FDA and the company are certain the problem has been rectified.

Advice to consumers states that they should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Five ways to avoid a food recall

Elsewhere in the US Wellness Natural USA Inc. is recalling a single lot of its SimplyProtein® Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bar as it may contain an undeclared trace of tree nuts (cashews).

The product is sold in a 15-count variety pack that contains two other flavours. It was distributed in the US in limited Costco stores in Arkansas, California, Washington DC, Kansas, Maryland, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

The product has a best before date of 05 Jan 2024 and a lot code of TN3005A on the bar wrapper (UPC 6 86207 80906 8) / Lot TN3005 (UPC 6 86207 00914 7) on the outside carton.

The recall was initiated due to a consumer complaint, which the company claims is the only reported reaction to date. The cause of the contamination is currently being investigated.

The affected Costco stores have been urged to stop sales and distribution immediately and contain and isolate the affected lot, then contact Wellness Natural USA Inc. for verification and disposal instructions.

Consumers who have purchased the impacted lot and have a sensitivity to cashew have been advised to return them to Costco for a full refund.