Due to inadequate pasteurization, one lot of Berkshire Bloom cheese has now been added to Cricket Creek Farm’s cheese recall, which originally only included its Sophelise and Tobasi cheeses because of a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to the FDA.
Though many healthy individuals infected with Listeria monocytogenes may only experience short-lived symptoms like “high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea,” pregnant women can suffer miscarriages and stillbirths. The infection can also turn serious and potentially fatal in young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Williamstown, Massuchusetts-based Cricket Creek Farm announced its amended recall on June 12, 2023 to include the single lot of Berkshire Bloom cheese due to a concern that pasteurization records do not demonstrate the heating element met the required temperature.
Officials say the Sophelise, Tobasi, and Berkshire Bloom cheeses were distributed in Massachusetts and New York through the following venues:
- Wild Oats, in Williamstown, MA
- Provisions Williamstown, in Williamstown, MA
- Wells Provisions, in Charlemont, MA
- McEnroe Organic Farm Market, in Millerton, NY
- New Lebanon Farmers Market, in New Lebanon, NY
- various restaurants and farmers markets in New Lebanon, NY
Impacted products:
Sophelise cheese, product code: 087055, distributed between March 29, 2023 and May 26, 2023
- A washed, pasteurized-milk cheese, Sophelise is a pinkish, circular cheese with a soft rind. 4 inches in diameter and about 1 inch tall, it is packaged in semi-transparent packaging with an affixed round blue label.
Tobasi cheese, product label of 315, 341, 048, distributed between March 26, 2023 and May 26, 2023
- A washed, raw-milk cheese with a creamy interior and orange rind, it can be found in either clear packaging with a gray and orange label (when sold retail by Cricket Creek Farm), in small rectangular cuts (when sold at retail stores), or in a roughly 8″ by 8″ and 1.25-inch tall square format (when sold wholesale).
Berkshire Bloom cheese, product label of 076, distributed between April 20, 2023 and May 12, 2023
- A round, camembert-style cheese with a bloomy rind, it is 4 inches in diameter and about 1.25 inches tall. It can be found packaged in a white cheese paper affixed with a blue label.
The company initiated a recall on May 30, 2023 after receiving a report of one Listeria monocytogenes hospitalization, the only one to date, associated with the Sophelise cheese.
Biotrax Testing Laboratory subsequently tested products purchased by the same customer showed the current batch of Sophelise cheese, along with three batches of Tobasi cheese, to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Officials note that the single lot of Berkshire Bloom cheese was included in the recall because its production record did not demonstrate “fully compliant temperatures for the heating element.”
Anyone who may have purchased Sophelise cheese under product code 087055, Tobasi cheese under 315 341, 048, or after March 26, and Berkshire Bloom cheese between April 20 and May 12 is asked to refrain from consuming or further distributing the product(s). To receive a complete refund, customers are encouraged to return any remaining product to the original point of purchase.
Recall-related questions may be directed to Cricket Creek Farm via email at info@cricketcreekfarm.com or by calling 413-458-5888 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
If you or a loved has suffered an adverse health outcome that can be traced to a Listeria monocytogenes contamination in a food product, your family deserves maximum compensation. Our compassionate attorneys at TruLaw are personally motivated in helping you fight for the best outcome. To learn how we can help, connect with us online or take our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠.