The Recall Desk
CriticalFDA (Food)·F-0110-2013·Announced 2012-10-24

Whole Foods Recalls Ricotta Salata Cheese Due to Listeria Risk

Whole Foods Market is recalling Frescolina and Mitica Ricotta Salata cheeses in 21 states and D.C. because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class I, and the source text explicitly states that Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, meeting the criteria for a Critical severity score.

Plain-English summary

Whole Foods Market is recalling Frescolina and Mitica brand Ricotta Salata cheeses that were cut into wedges and sold with Whole Foods Market scale labels. The affected products were distributed nationwide to 21 states and Washington, D.C., and all "sell by" dates through Oct. 2 are included in the recall.

The recall was initiated because the cheese, supplied by Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, NY, may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail individuals, and others with weakened immune systems.

Consumers who purchased these specific cheeses should check their refrigerators for the affected products and dispose of them or return them to the store for a refund.

The recalled product

Product
Frescolina and Mitica brand Ricotta Salata cheeses were cut into wedges, packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label using PLU 293427 and PLU 294413, respectively. All "sell by" dates through Oct. 2 are affected.
Manufacturer
Whole Foods Market
Hazard

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (1)

  • 2012.

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.