Bad news for 'Cheese lovers' as FDA takes action

Who does not like to have a cheesy life. Everyone loves to enjoy cheese, whether munching on their favorite loaded fries or else grabbing their favorite cheesy pizzas for lunch, we are always ready to binge on these cheesy treats.

According to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), more than 5000 pounds of cheese related products made by Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op are being recalled after the company discovered potential "Listeria" contamination.

The recalls came days after one of the grocery stores at the East Coast discovered Listeria contamination in their Medium Camembert Soft - Ripened Cheese.

According to French news agency Connexion, the French Cheese was sold in 30 countries, including U.S., U.K. and Australia.

European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, ECDC France reported, that more than 26 people got infected and 2 died in France after eating cheese products containing Listeria.

However, further listeriosis cases in EU/EEA countries (Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands) have been recorded by ECDC.

“To protect consumers and as a protective measure the food products were recalled. The food safety authorities of the countries concerned by the food distribution are implementing official control measures, including the issues of public warning,” a statement by ECDC read.

5 Middlefield Cheese Items to lookout for:

1. Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese: 8 oz. packages, 5 lb. loaves and 40 lb. loaves with Lot Code 251661
2. Copia Collective 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese: 8 oz. packages with Lot Code 251661
3. Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Horseradish Flavored Cheese: 8 oz. packages with Lot Code 2524061
4. Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Monterey Jack Cheese: 8 oz. packages and 5 lb. blocks with Lot Code 251672 and 40 lb. blocks with dates Coded as 7-16-25B
5. Farmers Cheese: 8 oz. packages and 5 lb. blocks with Lot Code 251672 and 40 lb. blocks with dates coded as 7-16-25B

About Listeria Infection:

Listerias are bacteria that can contaminate many food items people who eat those foods get infected by the bacteria.

According to Center of Disease Control and prevention (CDC), Listeria is rare but serious.

This deadly bacterium named Listeria Monocytogenes if ingested, can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, pregnant women, elderly persons or individuals with weak immune systems.

CDC, agency estimates that each year in the U.S., 1,600 people are infected with Listeria and 260 die from the infection.

Moreover, Listeriosis can appear up to 28 days after eating contaminated food, with the ECDC urging health authorities nationwide to remain on alert for further cases.

The good news is that you can take precautionary steps to prevent this infection.