Recalls announced

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Tennessee company is recalling cheese sold in seven states and distributed nationwide in gift baskets that could be contaminated with dangerous bacteria. No illnesses have been reported.
Sweetwater Valley Farms Inc. said its Southern Cheddar Jack Volunteer Special Cheese was distributed in 7-, 10-, 15-ounce and 5-pound blocks sold in retail stores in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland and Alabama.
The cheese from lot number 539 was distributed between Sept. 19 and Nov. 18. It was also potentially distributed across the continental U.S. in gift baskets sold on the company’s Web site.
Another Tennessee-based wholesaler, Le Gourmet Connection, said it sold 10-ounce blocks of the cheese through Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, Ohio, between Aug. 28 and Nov. 19.
Sweetwater Valley Farms said the product could be contaminated with Listeria monocytongenes, a bacteria that can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Short-term symptoms in healthier people include high fever, severe headaches, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The contamination was discovered in a routine sampling by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The company said in a news release that it is investigating how the contamination happened. A phone message seeking more details was not immediately returned on Friday.
Customers are urged to discard the product or return it for a full refund. They can call (877) 862-4332 for more information.
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Blue Planet Foods Inc. of Collegedale is recalling 3,898 units of Heartland-brand Graham Pie Crusts because they contain undeclared almonds, milk and coconut. People who have an allergy to these ingredients run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the product. No illnesses have been reported, according to the company.
The recalled pie crusts, distributed to stores nationwide, have the codes “Best By 10 27 08 1” or “Best By 10 27 08 3.” For more information, consumers can call the company at 877-885-6650.
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FDA Food Recalls: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html
Sweetwater Valley Farms, Inc.: http://www.sweetwatervalley.com/
Published in The Messenger on 11.27.07

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