Hy-Vee Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, stated in a news release that they are  voluntarily recalling Maytag Raw Milk Blue Cheese across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Even though healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

So far no illnesses have been reported.

The recalled cheese was sold in whole wheels and cuts, and repackaged in foil or clear plastic wrap with scale labels in various weights. Blue cheese crumbles were also sold in plastic containers. All product was labeled as “Maytag Blue Raw Milk,” “Maytag Blue” or “Maytag Iowa Blue Cheese” and with PLU numbers beginning with 854089001 and with “use by” dates between Jan. 20, 2016, and May 3, 2016. The product was sold from cheese cases in all of Hy-Vee’s 240 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin between Nov. 20, 2015, and March 2, 2016. Out of an abundance of caution, Hy-Vee is recalling all sizes and forms (wheels, wedges and crumbles) of Maytag Blue Cheese products from all of its stores.

The potential for contamination was discovered after testing by the state of Iowa revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in two lots of product. Maytag Dairy Farms has voluntarily suspended production and distribution while the company collaborates with FDA and the state of Iowa to determine the cause of the problem.

Customers who purchased this product should discard it or return it to their local Hy-Vee store for a full refund.

If you have questions, you may contact a Hy-Vee Customer Care representatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 772-4098.

 

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