Trader Joe’s customers in Northern California and Nevada face an urgent health risk as the popular Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds are pulled from shelves due to potential deadly bacteria contamination.
Key Takeaways
- Face Rock Creamery has recalled two specific lots of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds sold at Trader Joe’s due to potential Listeria contamination
- The affected products have a use-by date of August 8, 2025, with lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02, and UPC 8 51222 00528 7
- Customers should immediately dispose of or return affected products for a full refund
- No illnesses have been reported yet, but Listeria symptoms can appear up to 70 days after consumption
- Pregnant women, elderly individuals, young children, and those with compromised immune systems face the highest risk from Listeria infection
Immediate Consumer Action Required
Face Rock Creamery has initiated a voluntary recall of its popular Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds distributed through Trader Joe’s locations across Northern California and Northern Nevada. The recall specifically targets 6-ounce cups with a use-by date of August 8, 2025, after routine sampling detected potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers can identify affected products by checking for UPC code 8 51222 00528 7 and lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02, with packaging marked “Use BY 082925.”
Bandon, Oregon’s Face Rock Creamery is voluntarily recalling two lots of its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds because of a potential listeria contamination. https://t.co/0OZuk2ZVv3
— KOIN News (@KOINNews) June 22, 2025
“Face Rock Creamery of Bandon, OR, is voluntarily recalling two specific lots of its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds, 6-ounce cups with the use by date of Aug. 8, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,” Face Rock Creamery.
The affected stores include locations in Monterey, Fresno, Carson City, Reno, and Sparks. Customers who purchased the potentially contaminated cheese curds are strongly advised to either throw them away or return them to any Trader Joe’s location for a complete refund. Though no illnesses have been reported thus far, the company is taking proactive measures to protect consumers from possible exposure to dangerous bacteria.
Severe Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes infections can have serious, potentially life-threatening consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, and vomiting. What makes this bacterial infection particularly dangerous is its lengthy incubation period – symptoms may not appear until up to 70 days after exposure, complicating efforts to identify the source of infection.
“Face Rock Creamery is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our products and is working closely with our distribution partners and regulatory agencies to resolve the matter swiftly and thoroughly,” Face Rock Creamery.
Pregnant women face especially severe risks from listeriosis, as the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery, even when the mother experiences only mild symptoms. The elderly, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems are similarly vulnerable to serious complications. For these high-risk groups, listeriosis can progress to potentially fatal conditions including sepsis and meningitis.
Company Response and Investigation
Following the detection of Listeria during routine sampling, Face Rock Creamery immediately notified both the FDA and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The company, based in Bandon, Oregon, has been operating since 2013 and distributes its products through multiple retailers including Trader Joe’s, Stop and Shop, Kroger, and Albertsons. Currently, they are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the source of the contamination.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the trust our customers place in us,” Face Rock Creamery.
This recall reflects the ongoing challenges in food safety regulation across the country, where contamination can occur despite routine inspections and quality control measures. While this recall affects a relatively limited geographic area, it serves as an important reminder of the critical need for vigilance in food safety protocols and prompt action when potential hazards are identified. The swift response by Face Rock Creamery demonstrates appropriate corporate responsibility in prioritizing consumer safety above all else.
