Whole Foods Market announces that it is recalling ricotta salata sold in 21 states and Washington, D.C. that came from its supplier Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, NY. Forever Cheese recalled this cheese product because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese was cut into wedges, packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label using PLU 293427. All “sell by” dates through Oct. 2 are affected. Fourteen illnesses have been reported which may be associated with the Frescolina recall.

Whole Foods Market stores in the following states are affected by this recall:

1. Alabama (1 store)

2. Arizona (2 stores)

3. California (2 stores)

4. Colorado (2 stores)

5. Florida (5 stores)

6. Georgia (4 stores)

7. Kansas (1 store)

8. Kentucky (1 store)

9. Maryland (6 stores)

10. North Carolina (7 stores)

11. New Jersey (2 stores)

12. New Mexico (2 stores)

13. New York (2 stores)

14. Ohio (2 stores)

15. Oregon (6 stores)

16. Pennsylvania (5 stores)

17. South Carolina (1 store)

18. Tennessee (3 stores)

19. Utah (1 store)

20. Virginia (6 stores)

21. Washington (6 stores)

22. Washington, D.C. (3 stores)

As of September 11, 2012, a total of 14 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 11 states and the District of Columbia.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: California (1), Colorado (1), District of Columbia (1), Maryland (3), Minnesota (1), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (1), New York (1), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (1), and Virginia (1).

All 14 ill persons have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported. Listeriosis contributed to at least one of these deaths.

On September 10, 2012, Forever Cheese, Inc. voluntarily recalled one lot of Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.