Queseria Bendita Cheese and Sour Cream Recall Issued After Listeria Death

Following at least two reports of illness and one death due to listeria poisoning, a number of soft cheese and sour cream products sold primarily at Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon are being recalled. 

A Queseria Bendita recall was announced by the FDA on January 16, following reports linking the cheese and sour cream products to an outbreak of listeria food poisoning.

The recall includes all lots of Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, and Cotija fresh soft cheese and sour cream products with “Best By” dates up to April 16, 2015. The recalled cheese and sour cream products may be identified by matching the brand name with the correlating UPC codes and Best By dates.

The recalled products include the following; Panela brand with UPC code 610074 99341 4 and best by date code 041615, Queso Fresco brand with UPC code 0 94922 10602 5 and best by date code 041615, Queso Fresco brand name with no UPC code and best by date code 041615, Requeson brand name with UPC code 0 94922 10603 2 and best by date code 041615. Sour Cream/ Crema Agria brand name with UPC code 0 94922 10608 7 with no best by code, and Cotija Cheese brand name with no other identifiable codes or dates.

The products were manufactured by Queseria Bendita LLC, of Yakima, Washington and packaged in 1lb. or 3lb. plastic wrappers or plastic tubs and contain a shelf life of up to 90 days. All products were distributed to Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon and also the company’s on-site store in Yakima, Washington.

Listeria infections may result in symptoms such as nauseam muscle, ache, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. In severe cases for the elderly and young children, the bacteria could spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system resulting in sometimes fatal infections. For pregnant women, listerosis can pose a risk of miscarriages, still births, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Radar Farms Fresh Smoothie Recall

A second listeria-related recall was announced the same day by federal health officials, involving Rader Farms Fresh Smoothie Blends. The smoothies were manufactured by Inventure Foods, Inc. of Pheonix, Arizona and may also be contaminated with listeria monocytogens, although no illnesses have been recorded in connection with the four recalled brands of fusions and smoothie blends.

The recall includes Fresh Start Smoothie Blend sold at Costco and Costco Canada in 48 oz. containers with UPC code 884038851489, Fresh Start Sunrise Refresh Fusion products sold at Walmart in 35 oz. containers with UPC code 884038851540, and Fresh Start Daily Power Fusion smoothie blends sold at Walmart in 35 oz. containers with UPC code 884038851533. The products were distributed to major retailers such as Walmart and Costco in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Texas, and in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan of Canada.

The FDA is alerting consumers that they may not experience symptoms immediately following consumption and if believed to have consumed any recalled products to consult with their healthcare provider immediately. Sometimes reports of illness may take up to two months past the time of consumption due to the time it takes for patients to experience symptoms and get a diagnosis.

Customers and store owners with recalled Queseria Bendita soft cheese and sour cream products should remove them from store shelves or from the home and destroy the products and contact the company at 509-961-8949 for further questions.

Consumers and retailers with recalled Queseria Bendita are encouraged to destroy the products. Consumers with questions can call the company at (509) 961-8949. Customers with recalled Rader Farms smoothie blends are encouraged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions can contact Inventure Foods Customer Service at (866) 890-1004 or sen an email to info@inventurefoods.com or visit the company’s website at RaderFarms.com/FreshStartRecall.