by Dan Flynn | Sep 12, 2012
A new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes has already killed three people, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said late Tuesday. The deaths are being blamed on cheese imported from Italy.
According to CDC, a total of 14 persons are infected with the outbreak strain in 11 states and the District of Columbia. All have been hospitalized, but three have died. CDC said Listeriosis contributed to at least one of the deaths.
The CDC report on the outbreak came 24 hours after Long Island-based Forever Cheese recalled one of its imported cheese brands for possible Listeria contamination.
The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: California (1), Colorado (1), District of Columbia (1), Maryland (3), Minnesota (1), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (1), New York (1), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (1) and Virginia (1).
Forever Cheese, an importer of products from Italy, Spain and Portugal, Monday recalled the Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand from one specific production date for possible Listeria contamination.
It also said the problem was being investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Later Tuesday, Maryland state health officials said three people with Listeria illnesses were being treated in area hospitals.
Continue reading, "Three Deaths Counted in Listeria Outbreak Linked to Cheese" at Food Safety News.