Whole Foods Cheese Recalled, Illnesses Reported
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) –Whole Foods Market is recalling its Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese because of possible contamination.
Fourteen illnesses have been reported so far and only Ricotta Salata cheeses with “sell by” dates through Oct. 2 are potentially affected.
The retailer was concerned that the cheese used in the dish might contain Listeria monocytogenes – an organism that can cause serious infections and can be fatal for individuals with weak or compromised immune systems.
Symptoms of an infection include high fever, severe headaches, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The cheese originally came from supplier Forever Cheese based in Long Island, N.Y.
Stores in 21 states across the U.S. and Washington D.C. are affected by the recall, including five locations in Pennsylvania.
Customers who purchased the cheese can return it to Whole Foods Market for a full refund.