A recall for more than a dozen flavors of cream cheese has been upgraded with the Food and Drug Administration’s most serious alert as experts warn of “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The cream cheese was recalled February 20 out of concern that it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness. Several outlets reported Friday the FDA has given the recall a Class I classification.
A Class I recall is issued when there is “reasonable probability” that the product “will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA.
Fourteen flavors of Made Fresh Salads’ five-pound tubs of cream cheese have been recalled, including its Whipped Cream Cheese and Vegetable Cream Cheese.
Made Fresh Salads said in its recall announcement last month healthy people infected with Listeria may just have short-term symptoms, including high fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
But the company warned it can have serious and at times fatal effects in young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women infected with Listeria monocytogenes are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirths, according to the recall announcement.
The recall was issued after routine sampling found a part of the mixer used to make the cream cheese was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to Made Fresh Salads. The company said it has stopped using the contaminated mixer.
No illnesses related to the recall were reported at the time of the company’s announcement.
Made Fresh Salads is based on Long Island in New York, where bagels and cream cheese are a delicacy. The cream cheese was delivered to retail stores and distributors in New York City. The recalled product has an expiration date through February 27.
Here is a full list of the cream cheese flavors that have been recalled:
- Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese
- Caramel Apple Cream Cheese
- Blueberry Cream Cheese
- Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese
- Jalapeno Cream Cheese
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cream Cheese
- Lox Cream Cheese
- Scallion Cream Cheese
- Strawberry Cream Cheese
- Sundried Tomato Cream Cheese
- Vegetable Cream Cheese
- Walnut Raisin Cream Cheese
- Whipped Cream Cheese
- Tofu Whipped
Consumers who purchased the recalled cream cheese are advised to return it for a full refund.
