Cheddar Cheese Recall Issued Over Potential Health Risk Concerns

Torn paper revealing the word Recall in red

Abbey Specialty Foods has issued a recall for its Wicklow Gold Cheddar Cheese over listeria concerns, prompting urgent consumer attention.

At a Glance

Recall affects Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Tomato & Herb varieties.
Potential listeria contamination prompted recall of 5.2 oz. packages.
Affected products were distributed in several states including Ohio and Maine.
Listeria poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable groups.

Recall Details

Abbey Specialty Foods, located in Fairfield, New Jersey, is recalling specific cheese products due to potential listeria contamination. The impacted items are Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb. These products were supplied by Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese LTD and distributed in Ohio, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The recall targets 5.2 oz. packages with a sell-by date of June 2, 2025.

This action comes as part of an effort to protect consumers from the harm that listeria infections can cause.

Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators for these products and discard them or request a refund. Abbey Specialty Foods can be contacted at 862-210-8150 or via email at [email protected] for further information.

Abbey Specialty Foods of Fairfield, NJ, is recalling cheddar cheese products sold under the Wicklow Gold brand due to listeria fears. Here's what to know: https://t.co/986CNo6G9C

— Fast Company (@FastCompany) January 6, 2025

Health Risks of Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe illness, particularly in young children, senior citizens, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The typical symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. “Abbey Specialty Foods of Fairfield, NJ is recalling Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb because they have the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems” stated the FDA’s recall alert.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, with listeria potentially causing miscarriages, stillbirths, or severe health issues for newborns. Symptoms in these groups can become severe, necessitating prompt medical intervention.

Ongoing Concerns and Recent Recalls

The recall of these products is part of a broader context of food safety concerns linked to listeria. Recent years have seen similar recalls, such as those involving frozen waffles, ice cream, and ready-to-eat chicken. A Boar’s Head meat recall even resulted in the closure of a Virginia plant. The FDA continues to play a proactive role in addressing these risks to minimize public health impacts.

Consumers are advised to remain vigilant regarding food product safety notifications and adhere strictly to recall guidelines to enhance personal and family safety. Visiting official sources for updates can provide further assurance on the safe consumption of any potentially affected food items.