Earlier this year, a Miami couple and their company, Naver Trading Corp., were facing federal charges of importing cheese and other dairy products into the U.S. that were contaminated with Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Yuri Izurieta, 41, and Anneri Izurieta, 46, were charged with smuggling and conspiracy. Prosecutors argued that
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CFIA Warns the Public Not to Eat King James brand Blue Stilton Cheese
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and The Tree of Life Canada are warning the public not to consume the King James brand Blue Stilton Cheese, product of England, because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Tree of Life, the importer of the cheese based in Surrey, British Columbia, is voluntarily recalling…
U.S. Marshals Seize Cheese from Brunkow Cheese Facility
On May 13, 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, filed a complaint requesting that U.S. Marshals seize cheese products distributed by Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin, Inc. Brunkow, a company based in Darlington, Wisconsin, manufactures, packs, labels, and distributes a variety of cheese products.
The complaint alleged that in February 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug…
Missouri Dairy’s Raw Milk Cheese Production Stopped Due to Listeria and Staph
Inspectors with the Missouri Department of Agriculture have halted production and distribution from Morningland Dairy located in Mountain View, after raw cheese from the dairy tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.
The cheese samples were seized June 30 in California; Missouri officials were made aware of the California department’s test results today.
Inspectors…
Department of Justice Closes Cheese Plant
In a press release issued July 7, 2009, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it had filed a complaint seeking an injunction against Peregrina Cheese, Inc, of Brooklyn, NY, and two of its officers. If granted by the Court, the injunction would temporarily stop the company from manufacturing and distributing food.
According to the complaint, which was filed on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company has a history of producing cheese contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen. A search of the FDA website revealed that FDA has cited insanitary conditions at the Peregrina Cheese factory several times over the last five years, and that Peregrina Cheese has recalled cheese products for Listeria contamination in the past.
Listeria is the common name for the pathogenic or disease-causing bacterium known as Listeria monocytogenes. It is a foodborne illness that when ingested causes an infection known as listeriosis. Approximately 2,500 illnesses and 500 deaths are attributed to listeriosis in the United States annually.
In the DOJ press release, FDA acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, Michael Chappell, stated:
This company has consistently failed to make corrections to improve the insanitary conditions under which it processes cheese products, despite frequent warnings to do so. The FDA will not tolerate food companies that fail to provide adequate safeguards.
According to the complaint, FDA and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) inspections have revealed violations of current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements for foods. Inspectors have noted such food safety violations as standing water in food processing equipment and a dead rodent inside the plant. NYSDAM has also assessed fines against the company.
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Michigan Company Announces Recall of Cheese Due to Listeria Contamination
The FDA announced on June 13 that Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese of Reading, Michigan has recalled all lots of various types of soft Mexican-style cheeses due to potential Listeria contamination.
According to the FDA:
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever,
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Raw milk tests positive for Campylobacter, cheese tests positive for E. coli
Raw milk from a Genoa, New York, dairy has tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni, the most common cause of bacterial foodborne illness, according to an article at the Syracuse Post-Standard Web site. Health officials are encouraging anyone who purchased raw milk products from the Phil Stauderman Farm, 3128 Blakely Road, Genoa, to throw…