Cheese From Dearborn Manufacturer Recalled

Green Cedar Dairy of Dearborn announced on Tuesday the recall of All Natural Ackawi cheese and All Natural Chives cheese with a sell-by date up to July 1, 2012, due to possible listeria contamination.

The Michigan Department of Community Health and the Wayne County Public Health Department are investigating two recent cases of human listeriosis that may have had exposure to Green Cedar Dairy products.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Laboratory identified Listeria monocytogenes in samples of All Natural Chives Cheese that were collected from Green Cedar Dairy.

Green Cedar Dairy products were distributed to bakeries and retail stores in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

The very young, the pregnant, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to infection. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

The recalled items are all labeled as Green Cedar Dairy (Plant # 26941) products, All Natural Ackawi and All Natural Chives Cheese. The product is sold in approximately 12-14 oz. squares vacuum sealed in clear plastic packages. The sell-by date is marked on a label on the back of the product.   

Anyone who has this cheese is urged to stop consuming the product and return all recalled products to the store of purchase. Green Cedar Dairy is requesting that all retail stores cease selling these cheeses immediately, and that restaurants cease serving them. 

Officials said the firm is cooperating with the investigation by state and local officials to identify the source of contamination.