Schratter Foods Incorporated, a New Jersey company, is recalling “Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese,” which is produced by the Quenby Stilton Dairy in Leicestershire England, due to potential contamination by Listeria monocytogenes.  The recalled “Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese” was distributed nationwide in retail stores.  No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall comes on the heels of Quenby’s announcement late last month that it is shutting down production of its Stilton cheeses.  According to Quenby’s website:

It is with regret that we announce that Quenby Hall Dairy has ceased production of stilton. The dairy was set up in 2005 and in the last five years gained prominence as an artisan producer. It was Supreme Champion at the British Cheese Awards in 2009 and the Gold Medal at the World Cheese Awards in the same year.

 However market and trading conditions have been extremely difficult, exacerbated by over-expansion. The general economic outlook, the sharp and continuing rise in milk prices and the difficulty in achieving suitable gross margins all contributed to the decision.

The recalled product comes in bulk (Round Half 8.5-9.6 lbs) and random weight wedge cuts (UPC 0813555010000 – label states “Imported by: ANCO Fine Cheese) and the affected lots are 019 through 034. Additionally, the affected lots are marked with expiration date of 6/15/2011 through 6/29/2011. The product could be cut at retail from the bulk or purchased and sold as pre-cut wedges.