Cheddar cheese recalled because of Listeria contamination

Abbey Specialty Foods of Fairfield, NJ, is recalling Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive 5.2 oz product and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb 5.2 oz product because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

There is concern that consumers may have the product in their homes because of its long shelf life, which reaches into June this year.

The only products being recalled are those on the table above. You can identify these by reviewing batch number, UPC and by sell by date on the back label of the product. 

These products had limited distribution in the United States and were sold in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Ohio and Colorado. The few distributors and retailers that received the product have been informed of this possible health risk and have removed the products from their shelves.

To date, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse health events due to the consumption of these products.

The recall was initiated after our supplier, Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese LTD. notified Abbey Specialty Foods they were recalling these products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Consumers who have any of the recalled products listed in the table above should refrain from consuming them and return them to their place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of the products.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Abbey Specialty Foods at 862-210-8150 or email info@abbeyspeciatly.com.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled cheese and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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