Estrella Family Creamery Recalls Old Apple Tree Tomme Cheese Due to Possible Health Risks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- The Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, Washington, is recalling a production of Old Apple Tree Tomme cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The Old Apple Tree Tomme cheese was sold at the Ballard and Seattle's U-District farmer's markets in Seattle, Washington, and the firm's farm store in Montesano, Washington the weekend of Feb. 27 and 28, 2010.
The recalled cheese was sold by custom order at the markets and the firm's farm store, with a label bearing it's name. The product does not contain a lot code.
No illnesses in connection with this product or any other Estrella cheeses have been reported to date.
The recall is the result of continued sampling by the state of Washington Department of Agriculture, which revealed that one wheel of the finished product contained the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
Consumers who have any should return the cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 360.249.6541 between 6:00am - 8:00pm PST.
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