Potential Health Alert: Popular Cheese Brand Faces Contamination Recall

Torn paper revealing the word Recall in red

A popular cheddar cheese brand faces a critical recall due to potential listeria contamination, prompting urgent action from consumers.

At a Glance

Abbey Specialty Foods recalls two Wicklow Gold cheddar cheese blends due to listeria risk
Affected products are Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Cheddar Tomato & Herb in 5.2 oz. packages
Recall applies to products with a sell-by date of June 2, 2025, distributed in five states
Listeria can cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations
Consumers advised to discard products or seek refunds

FDA Issues Recall for Wicklow Gold Cheddar Cheese

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of Wicklow Gold cheddar cheese products distributed by Abbey Specialty Foods of Fairfield, New Jersey. This recall comes amid concerns of potential listeria contamination, a serious health risk that has prompted swift action from both the FDA and the company.

The recall specifically targets two cheese blends: Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb. Both products are packaged in 5.2 oz. containers and were supplied by Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese LTD. The affected cheeses have a sell-by date of June 2, 2025, and were distributed across five states: Ohio, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Abbey Specialty Foods of Fairfield, NJ, is recalling cheddar cheese products sold under the Wicklow Gold brand due to listeria fears. Here's what to know: https://t.co/986CNo6G9C

— Fast Company (@FastCompany) January 6, 2025

Health Risks Associated with Listeria Contamination

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, poses a significant threat to public health. The FDA has emphasized the severity of this contamination, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

“Abbey Specialty Foods of Fairfield, NJ is recalling Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb because they have the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems” the FDA’s recall alert warned.

Symptoms of listeria infection can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In more serious cases, the infection can lead to confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women are at particular risk, as listeriosis can result in miscarriages and stillbirths.

Consumer Action and Product Identification

Consumers who have purchased the affected Wicklow Gold cheddar cheese products are strongly advised to either discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. To identify the recalled products, consumers should look for the following details:

For Cheddar Nettle & Chive: batch 24192, lot 1113880, UPC 797776045730, GTIN 73585016606300.

For Cheddar Tomato & Herb: batch 24175, lot 1113881, UPC 797776045778, GTIN 73585017737300.

Consumers seeking additional information about the recall can contact Abbey Specialty Foods directly at 862-210-8150 or via email at [email protected].

Broader Context of Food Safety Concerns

This recall is part of a larger trend of food safety issues that have emerged in recent months. The FDA has issued recalls for various products due to listeria concerns, including carrots, cucumbers, frozen waffles, ice cream, and ready-to-eat chicken. A significant recall of Boar’s Head meat even led to the closure of a plant in Virginia, underscoring the seriousness with which food safety authorities are treating these contamination risks.

As food safety concerns continue to make headlines, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about recalls and take necessary precautions to protect their health. The FDA’s swift action in this case demonstrates the ongoing commitment to public safety in the face of potential food-borne illnesses.