FDA recalls Wicklow Gold cheddar cheese products due to potential listeria contamination, affecting multiple states.
At a Glance
- Abbey Specialty Foods recalls two Wicklow Gold cheddar cheese blends
- Recall affects 5.2 oz. packages with sell-by date of June 2, 2025
- Products distributed in Ohio, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire
- Listeria can cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable groups
- Consumers advised to discard products or seek refunds
Recall Details
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of Wicklow Gold cheddar cheese products initiated by Abbey Specialty Foods. The recall affects two cheese blends: Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb. These products, supplied by Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese LTD, are being recalled due to potential listeria contamination.
The recall applies to 5.2 oz. packages of each cheese product with a sell-by date of June 2, 2025. These products were distributed across five states: Ohio, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Consumers who have purchased these items should check the following details:
Cheddar Nettle & Chive: batch 24192, lot 1113880, UPC 797776045730, GTIN 73585016606300
Cheddar Tomato & Herb: batch 24175, lot 1113881, UPC 797776045778, GTIN 73585017737300
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 Associated with Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. The FDA’s recall alert states: “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”
Symptoms of listeria infection can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe symptoms can manifest as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. High-risk groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to severe infections.
Risks for Pregnant Women
The FDA warns pregnant women face additional risks from listeria infections, “Listeriosis can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their newborn babies, leading to serious complications with their pregnancy, including miscarriage and stillbirth”
The FDA further emphasized the potential consequences for newborns, “Babies born with a listeriosis infection may develop severe health complications that require immediate medical attention, lead to lifelong health problems, or result in death.”
Consumer Action and Information
Consumers who have purchased the affected Wicklow Gold cheddar cheese products are advised to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information about the recall, consumers can contact Abbey Specialty Foods at 862-210-8150 or via email at [email protected].
Sources:
NJ cheese maker recalls Wicklow Gold. What you need to know
RECALL: Two Wicklow Gold cheddar cheese variants recalled over possible Listeria
Cheddar cheese listeria recall hits several states: FDA says avoid these Wicklow Gold products
