The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IOur severity:CriticalFDA (Food)·F-1647-2017·Announced 2017-03-29

Sargento Sliced Pepper Jack Cheese Recalled for Listeria Contamination

Sargento Foods is recalling specific lots of sliced pepper jack cheese due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Food): Class I

Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

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 5/5 (Critical).

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The agency classification is FDA Class I, which is defined as a situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Plain-English summary

Sargento Foods, Inc. is recalling Sargento Sliced Pepper Jack Cheese in 12 oz. and 7.5 oz. packages. The recall affects specific units identified by UPC 4610000108 and UPC 4610000122 with Sell By dates ranging from May 2, 2017, to July 10, 2017. The total quantity involved is 116,554 cases, or 2,467,145 units.

The recall was initiated after Sargento Foods was notified by their supplier that the cheese may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can cause serious illness, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The affected products were distributed in 35 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and several international locations including Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Nassau. Consumers should check their pantries for these specific products and dates. If found, they should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

The recalled product

Product
Sargento Sliced Pepper Jack Cheese, 12 oz., UPC 4610000108 with Sell By dates of 12JUN17B, 09JUL17B, 02MAY17B, 03MAY17B, 11JUN17B, and 10JUL17B. Sargento Sliced Pepper Jack, 7.5 oz., UPC 4610000122, Sell By date: 03MAY17B
Manufacturer
Sargento Foods, Inc.
Category
Food — Cheese
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 (5)

  • Sell By dates of 12JUN17B
  • 09JUL17B
  • 02MAY17B
  • 03MAY17B
  • 11JUN17B and 10JUL17B.

Distribution

Distributed in 37 states:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 17 recalled by Sargento Foods, 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 17 products in this recall →

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