Noris Farms Recalls Organic Savory Cheddar Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

(SafetyAlerts) - Noris Farms, Inc., of Scio, Oregon is recalling 24 packages of Organic Savory Cheddar Cheese, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, 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 organic savory cheddar cheese was distributed to Alberta Cooperative and The Daily Grind retail stores in Portland, Oregon. The cheese is packaged in clear plastic overwrap in approximate one pound packages and have expiration dates of DEC 01 2003. There are no other production codes of Noris Organic Savory Cheddar Cheese in commerce.

No illnesses have been reported due to consumption of the cheese. The recall was the result of a routine sampling by the Oregon Department of Agriculture that revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased Noris Organic Savory Cheddar Cheese with an expiration date of December 1, 2003 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-503-394-3273.