Whole Foods Market, Inc. announced that it has recalled a line of cheese that it had sold in stores across the country due to listeria contamination, according to CBS News. Specifically, the recalled product is the Crave Brothers Les Frères cheese, which was sold in 30 states and Washington, D.C.
Investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning a listeriosis outbreak across several states found that the cheese was the cause of the related illnesses. The FDA revealed that at least five people had become ill due to the cheese, including one pregnant woman who suffered a miscarriage and one elderly Minnesota resident who died after contracting listeriosis.
Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Company has issued a voluntary recall for their Les Frères cheese, Petit Frère cheese, and Petit Frère cheese with truffles that were manufactured on or before July 1, 2013.
Those who are sickened by listeriosis can suffer muscle aches, fever, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues. Pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems suffer the greatest risk when contracting listeriosis.
Whole Foods and the FDA request that customers throw out the products and bring in their receipts to stores to receive a refund.
If you have been sickened or lost a loved one due to a contaminated product, you have rights as a consumer and the potential to seek compensation for the losses you have suffered from the responsible product manufacturer or other negligent party. To learn more about your potential claim, call Blume Forte at 973-845-4421 and receive a no-cost consultation from our product liability lawyers in New Jersey.