SPRING HILL JERSEY CHEESE ISSUES VOLUNTARY RECALL

State Inspectors Detect Listeria Bacteria in Cheese; No Illnesses Reported

PETALUMA – Spring Hill Jersey Cheese of Petaluma has initiated a voluntary recall of its brie cheese labeled “Spring Hill Breeze” due to detection of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The recall involves approximately 250 pounds of brie cheese made at the family-owned, farmstead facility and distributed to retail outlets in Northern California. No illnesses have been reported to date.

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) inspectors detected the bacteria during a routine inspection. The company has cooperated fully with the department and has recalled this product from retail outlets. All of the remaining affected cheese has been removed from store shelves. The recall involves brie cheese in round packages of approximately one-half pound, carrying the “Spring Hill Breeze” label. The company’s other products are not affected by the recall.

Most people are not at increased risk for listeriosis. Those considered “at risk” are pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache and stiff neck can occur. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to more serious problems for the fetus. If a related illness is suspected, consumers are encouraged to consult a physician immediately.

Consumers should discard the cheese or return it to the store for a refund. Northern California consumers who have purchased “Spring Hill Breeze” brie cheese may call the company at 707-762-3446 with questions about the recall.


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