Savencia Cheese USA, a Pennsylvania-based food producer, has initiated a voluntary recall of several cheese products after routine testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on processing equipment. Although no contamination has been detected in finished products, the company has decided to proceed with this recall to ensure consumer safety, according to an announcement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Savencia disclosed the recall on November 2, with the FDA confirming it on November 4.
The recall affects six varieties of soft-ripened cheeses sold under various brand names, including Aldi, La Bonne Vie, Market Basket, and Supreme. The potentially contaminated products were produced at Savencia’s facility in Lena, Illinois, where traces of listeria were discovered on manufacturing equipment. This bacteria, known for causing severe infections in vulnerable individuals, poses a particular threat as it can persist in refrigerated environments and spread through improper handling.
A representative from Savencia told Newsweek that ensuring the safety and quality of their products is their top priority. They explained that rigorous quality assurance protocols are followed at all manufacturing stages across their facilities. During routine inspections, listeria was detected on certain equipment at the Lena plant, prompting the company to implement a voluntary recall despite no evidence of contamination in the final products. In response, Savencia has started retrieving the possibly affected items from retail locations.
The spokesperson further shared that the recalled cheeses were distributed to a limited number of retailers across 12 states: Indiana, Missouri, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, Iowa, New Jersey, California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Illinois. Savencia is working closely with these retail partners to ensure the products are removed from shelves as quickly as possible. Although the contamination is regional, the company is taking precautionary steps by issuing a national notification to inform the public and mitigate any risk. They have also committed to maintaining close communication with the FDA to oversee the recall process.
The recalled cheese products carry a best-by date of December 24, 2024, and include the following items: Aldi Emporium Selection Brie, La Bonne Vie Brie, La Bonne Vie Camembert, Industrial Brie, Market Basket Brie, and Supreme Oval. The FDA has provided a list of these items, complete with product codes and identification numbers, to help consumers identify any affected products. Consumers are urged to check their purchases and discard any items that match these specifications.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium behind the recall, can cause serious health complications, especially in young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Michelle Anstey, a food safety expert with the National Sanitation Foundation, noted that listeria is particularly concerning because it can thrive in cold storage conditions. Infected foods may not exhibit noticeable changes in smell, taste, or appearance, which makes it challenging to identify contaminated items without testing. Once in contact with human hands or surfaces, the bacteria can spread through cross-contamination if proper sanitation measures are not observed.
Symptoms of listeria infection can appear days or even weeks after exposure. Initial signs include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and muscle aches. In healthy individuals, these symptoms are usually mild and often resolve on their own. However, in vulnerable populations, listeria infection can lead to severe outcomes, such as meningitis or sepsis. Pregnant women are also at risk, as the bacteria can cause serious complications, including stillbirths. In advanced cases, symptoms can escalate to include headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, and even seizures, requiring medical intervention.
Savencia is encouraging customers who have purchased the recalled cheeses to return them to the store for a full refund or to dispose of them safely. They also advised consumers to maintain diligent hygiene practices when handling food products to prevent the spread of bacteria like listeria. By promptly addressing the issue and collaborating with regulatory authorities, Savencia aims to protect public health and uphold the trust of its consumers.
The FDA has emphasized the importance of awareness among consumers and advised those with concerns or symptoms to seek medical attention. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures, particularly with products that require cold storage and have prolonged shelf lives.
