By Matthew Robinson

Copyright newsweek

A recall of a cheese product due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes has been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Goot Essa LLC, based in Pennsylvania, issued a voluntary recall for a specific batch of its Der Mutterschaf Cheese on September 19. The FDA later issued a Class I risk classification for the recall on September 30.

Newsweek contacted Goot Essa LLC for comment via its website outside of regular working hours.

Why It Matters

A Class I risk classification represents “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA.

The FDA warned that listeria can cause “serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”

It added: “Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”

Stock image of cheese at a factory in Ecuador. (Matthew Williams-Ellis/VWPics/AP)

What To Know

The product affected by the recall is the following:

Der Mutterschaf Cheese—4 oz and 8 oz packages—UPC codes: 810154560189, 810154560196—lot number: 33

The recall impacted a total of 64 pounds of cheese, which were distributed to seven customers in New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut and Montana. The cheese was distributed through retail stores and restaurants.

As of September 25, no illnesses had been reported by the FDA in connection with the consumption of the affected product.

The potential contamination was discovered after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of listeria in one sample of the batch. Sampling of similar batches revealed no contamination.

The Goot Essa website describes the cheese as: an “all-natural gourmet raw cheese produced from sheep milk. This traditional Amish recipe is an artisanal, semi-soft Tomme-style cheese with a creamy texture.”

What People Are Saying

The FDA said in its recall notice: “Goot Essa will work closely with the FDA to conclude the investigation.”

The agency also says on its website: “Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn baby, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are all considered to be high-risk groups that are susceptible to the serious and adverse effects of listeriosis.”

Mary O’Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, previously told Newsweek: “Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures. Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home are a place where listeria can keep growing.

“Early symptoms of listeria infection look similar to other common foodborne infections, including fever, diarrhea and vomiting, so it’s often not diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention.”

Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, previously told Newsweek: “Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example, in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis—a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person—so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised—must eat contaminated food.

“The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably. Symptoms vary among people but can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance.”

What Happens Next

The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.

Customers are urged not to consume the affected product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.