A cheese was recalled across three states due to concerns that it contains Listeria Monocytogenes and it has now been given the highest risk classification level for a recall.
The cheese, 133 cases of Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive Cheese, was recalled across Maine, Colorado, and Ohio, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 18, and given its recall classification on January 27.
Why It Matters
The cheese was classified under a Class 1 recall, meaning, per the FDA, exposure of consumption of the chips could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
In this case, a Class 1 recall was called for due to the potential of Listeria Monocytogenes in the cheese, which can be fatal if certain people to consume it.
A picture of the recalled Nettle & Chive cheese provided by the FDA.
FDA
What To Know
Ingesting Listeria Monocytogenes can result in high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It can be fatal to immunocompromised people, newborns and people over 65. It can also result in stillbirths or miscarriages for pregnant women.
This cheese is distributed by Abbey Specialty Foods in Fairfield New Jersey, who made an announcement on January 3 about the recall of both their Nettle & Chive Cheese as well as their Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb, which was also recalled for Listeria.
They said that as of January 3, there were “no confirmed reports of adverse health events due to the consumption of these products.”
Abbey Specialty Foods has been contacted via email for comment.
A cheese has been recalled across three states and given the highest recall classification by the FDA due to Listeria risk.
Getty
So far in January, this cheese is the only recall for Listeria, but on January 7, Kitten Mix Pet food from Blue Ridge Beef was recalled by the FDA for potentially containing Salmonella.
Salmonella can cause a similar reaction as Listeria as it can lead to gastrointestinal illness with symptoms of diarrhea, fever, cramps, fever, aches, rash, or even death. It kills 450 people in the U.S. a year.
What People Are Saying
Abbey Speciality Foods, FDA Press Release said: “The recall was initiated after our supplier, Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese LTD. notified Abbey Specialty Foods they were recalling these products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
“Consumers that have any of the recalled products listed in the table above should refrain from consuming them and return them to their place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of the products.”
What Happens Next
Consumers in Maine, Colorado, and Ohio have been asked not to consume their Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive Cheeses with a sell by date of June 2nd, 2025.