The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued a consumer alert regarding the potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination of Connecticut Hill Melter raw milk cheese produced by Nathaniel Thompson - DBA Remembrance Farm. This product was distributed to Full Plate Farm Collective Community Supported Agriculture
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(CSA) in Ithaca, NY. To date, no illnesses have been reported linked to the product.
The cheese is sold in 0.5-pound wedges, wrapped in paper bearing the name "Connecticut Hill Melter" and the batch code 042323. Consumers should also be wary of packages without an identifiable batch date.
An inspector from the Department discovered the potential contamination during routine sampling. The producer was notified of the preliminary positive test for Listeria on September 15, 2023, with subsequent testing on September 19, 2023, confirming the presence of this bacteria.
Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can cause serious health issues, particularly in young children, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Consumers are recommended to dispose of any purchased cheese from the alerted batch as a preventative measure. Additionally, note that raw milk products do not undergo pasteurization, a process that effectively kills harmful bacteria including Listeria monocytogenes, safeguarding against foodborne illnesses, like listeriosis.
In case you are experiencing Listeria monocytogenes symptoms, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source:
agriculture.ny.gov
