A Maryland dairy is recalling all of its cheese products after health officials warned they may be contaminated with listeria.
Clover Hill Dairy of Mechanicsville, Maryland, has agreed to voluntarily recall every cheese product it makes, including ricotta, cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack and other varieties, according to a Sunday announcement from the Maryland Department of Health.
Health officials said eight listeria infections and one death may be linked to the recalled cheese.
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“The facility has agreed to initiate a voluntary recall for all of its cheese products,” the Maryland Department of Health stated.
The recall expands an earlier recall for Clover Hill soft ricotta cheese sold from May 4 through May 30 in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
The recalled ricotta were sold in 10-, 12- and 14-ounce clamshell containers. Some packages may list plant number 24-128 on the label. The cheese was sold through retail stores, bulk distributors and direct-to-consumer sales, according to a June 9 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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The recalled cheese may also have been sold in bulk 5-gallon and 2-gallon buckets and repackaged under other brand names, including KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO and RIO LINDO.
Maryland health officials suspended the dairy’s license on May 30 because of the public health risk.
Listeria can cause fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The bacteria can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, listeria can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, according to the FDA.
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Consumers who purchased the recalled cheese should not eat it and should return it to the place of purchase in its original packaging for a full refund.
“Clover Hill Dairy board and staff members sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and hardships caused by this recall, and we sincerely hope to correct this problem as soon as it is safely possible,” the company said in the June 9 recall notice.
Clover Hill Dairy could not immediately be reached by FOX Business for comment.
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