Goot Essa recalls cheese after testing shows Listeria contamination

Goot Essa LLC of Howard, PA, is recalling one lot of its Goot Essa brand Der Mutterschaf Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Goot Essa brand Der Mutterschaf Cheese was distributed to retail and restaurant customers in New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut and Montana.

The product comes in 4-ounce and 8-ounce clear plastic packages: 4-ounce with UPC 810154560189 and 8-ounce with UPC 810154560196, marked with lot number 33 on a sticker on the back.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Sampling of similar batches revealed no contamination. Goot Essa will work closely with the Food and Drug Administration to conclude the investigation, according to the company’s recall notice.

Customers who have purchased Der Mutterschaf Cheese batch 33 are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact the company at 800-490-4387.

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste 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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