Panera Bread issued a recall on all 2- and 8-ounce tubs of its cream cheese sold in its U.S. locations due to samples showing contamination by Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly foodborne pathogen.
According to Panera website, this is a “nationwide pre-emptive, voluntary recall”, and although only one production day products tested positive for Listeria, Panera’s recall includes additional products and Blaine Hurst, Panera’s president and CEO informed that “We have likewise ceased all manufacturing in the associated cream cheese facility”.
The recall includes all varieties of 2-ounce and 8-ounce cream cheese products with expiration dates before April 2 (see the full list here). Panera stated that consumers in possession of these products should discard them immediately.
Suggestions for consumers
If you ate any of these listed products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection you should seek medical attention and tell your doctor about the possible exposure to the pathogen.
Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Also, people who have eaten the recalled cream cheese should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after consumption for symptoms to develop.
