Whole Foods Recalls Cheese Product

Whole Foods Market is recalling ricotta salata sold in 21 states and Washington, D.C., including its store at Merchant's Walk in East Cobb and Harry's Farmers Market in Marietta.

The cheese came from its supplier, Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, N.Y., because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. That is an  organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese was cut into wedges, packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label using PLU 293427. All “sell-by” dates through Oct. 2 are affected. Fourteen illnesses have been reported which may be associated with the Frescolina recall.

Customers who have purchased this product from Whole Foods or Harry's may return it to the store for a full refund, and call with questions 512-542-0060 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., CST.