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Listeria outbreak linked to Ricotta Salata Frescolina Brand ricotta cheese

In September of 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that at least 18 people, including 3 who died, had become ill with Listeria infections after eating Marte brand Frescolina ricotta salata cheese. All ricotta salata cheese outbreak victims were hospitalized as a result of their Listeria infections. By late October, the CDC had increased the Listeria case-count associated with the ricotta salata cheese to 22, including 4 deaths.

9 Listeria cases were related to a pregnancy; 3 of the illnesses were diagnosed in newborns.

Ricotta Cheese Recalled for Listeria Contamination

On September 14, 2012, Forever Cheese, Inc. expanded an earlier recall of Marte brand Frescolina ricotta salata. The cheese was imported from Italy by Forever Cheese and was later distributed nationwide. The ricotta salata cheese was inconsistently labeled after it was repacked, and consumers may have purchased ricotta salata cheese not labeled "Marte" or "Frescolina".

Ricotta-Related Listeria Cases Reported in 13 States

The CDC has identified Listeria cases associated with the consumption of contaminated Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand ricotta cheese in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Listeria cases reported by state include: California (3), Colorado (1), District of Columbia (1), Maryland (3), Minnesota (1), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (3), New Mexico (1), New York (1), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (2), Virginia (3), and Washington (1).

Listeria infection

Listeria Monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women and encephalitis or meningitis in the elderly or immunocompromised individuals.

Contact the Marler Clark Listeria Attorneys

If you or a family member became ill with a Listeria infection after consuming contaminated ricotta cheese and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark attorneys for a free case evaluation. Marler Clark is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Listeria and other foodborne illnesses, and is the only firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.

You can fill out the contact form or call toll-free at 866-770-2032. There is no cost to you.

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