The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IIIOur severity:ModerateFDA (Food)·F-0692-2016·Announced 2016-03-09

Smith's Gouda Cheese Recalled for Non-Pathogenic E. Coli Contamination

Smith's Country Cheese is recalling specific lots of Gouda cheese due to contamination with non-pathogenic E. Coli. The product was distributed in Georgia, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Food): Class III

Class III is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 2/5 (Moderate).

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class III and involves non-pathogenic E. Coli, which fits the rubric criteria for low-risk contamination or voluntary precautionary recalls.

Plain-English summary

Smith's Country Cheese, Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 104 wheels of Gouda cheese packaged under the brand names Smith's Farmstead Gouda and Jansal Valley Mountain Gouda. The recall is due to the product being contaminated with non-pathogenic E. Coli. The affected cheese was packaged in 11 lb. waxed wheels in saran wrap and 5 lb. half wheels wrapped in shrink pack packaging.

The recalled product, identified by Lot Number 1469, was distributed in Georgia, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified this recall as Class III, indicating that there is a remote probability that adverse health consequences are likely to be serious or permanent.

Consumers who have purchased this product should check their pantries for the specific lot number and brand names listed above. If found, consumers should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

The recalled product

Product
Gouda Cheese packaged under the brand names: Smith's Farmstead Gouda and Jansal Valley Mountain Gouda, Packaged in 11 lb. waxed wheel in saran wrap. 5 lb. Half wheels wrapped in shrink pack packaging.
Manufacturer
Smith's Country Cheese, Inc.
Category
Food — Cheese
Hazard
Affected units
104

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)

  • Lot Number: 1469

Distribution

Distributed in 2 states:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 9 recalled by Smith's Country Cheese, Inc. under a single FDA (Food) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 9 products in this recall →

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