Cheese sold by Snow Farm Creamery at local markets has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, according to a release from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Snow Farm Creamery Baby Swiss and Snow Farm Creamery Baby Swiss with Mustard Seed with a code “02 04 19” are all affected, but officials warn that if you do not know the code and purchased the cheese after April 24, you should not consume it.
The product is packaged in vacuum-sealed flexible plastic wrap of various sizes and was sold on and after April 25 at the Green Star Co-op on Buffalo Street in Ithaca; Brookton Market and the Brooktondale Farmers Market in Brooktondale; the Ithaca Farmers’ Market; and the Candor Daffodil Festival in Candor.
Samples of the cheese also were distributed at the Town of Caroline board meeting on June 12. Snow Farm Creamery is in Brooktondale.
A routine sample of the cheese taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on June 10 was tested by the New York State Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
On June 13, the manufacturer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Test results were confirmed as positive for Listeria monocytogenes on June 17.
The cheese will be destroyed by the manufacturer.
Listeria-contaminated products may cause listeriosis, a disease that usually causes mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals.
However, state officials warn that in immune-compromised individuals, meningitis and blood poisoning can occur. Pregnant women are also considered a high-risk group, as listeriosis can result in stillbirths.