Recall: Georgia Cheeses Recalled for Potential Health Risk

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black is alerting Georgians to the recall of select lots of two cheese varieties produced by Flat Creek Farm & Dairy of Swainsboro, Ga. Flat Creek announced on Dec. 26 that more than 100 pounds of cheeses were recalled.

The affected cheeses are Heavenly Blue and Aztec Cheddar, packaged in clear plastic and ranging in size from half-pounds to whole wheels. The recall is specific to Heavenly Blue cheeses with the lot code 130916XHB and Aztec Cheddar with the lot code 130823XAZ.

Routine sampling of the finished cheeses indicated the presence of Salmonella, a bacterium known to cause salmonellosis in humans and animals. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. In some cases, they are known to be severe enough to require hospitalization and can cause serious complications or death in young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

The cheeses were distributed in Georgia and Florida and in six online orders, which are in the process of being notified.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers who purchased these cheeses are urged to return them to the place of purchase. Georgia Department of Agriculture inspectors will be checking to make sure the recalled products are removed from sale.

Questions about this recall?

Consumers who purchased the recalled products can call 478-237-0123 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

 

To view a comprehensive list of food and feed recalls affecting Georgia, visit our Food Safety Division recall website. If this recall expands or additional details become available in the future, the website will provide the most up-to-date information.