The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to imported Marte brand Frescolina Ricotta Salata cheese distributed by Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, New York.
Forever Cheese has initiated a voluntary recall of this cheese which may be identified with a lot number (T9425) and/ or a production code (441202).
The FDA has placed the maker of the recalled cheese,Fattorie Chiarappa S.R.L.of Conversano, Italy, on Import Alert1. This means that Fattorie Chiarappa cheese will be denied admission into the United States unless the importer shows that the cheese is not contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, such as by using private laboratories to test the cheese.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 14 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes from 11 states and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, 14 persons have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported. The CDC2 says that listeriosis contributed to at least one of those deaths.
The investigation into this outbreak continues, in order to determine whether there are other possible sources of the outbreak.
FoodWorld 