Recall issued for some cheese products from Locatelli, Boar’s Head, Member’s Mark brands

Several cheese products from the Locatelli, Boar’s Head and Member’s Mark brands were recalled this week because of the possibility of bacterial contamination.

Hawai‘i Department of Health Food and Drug Branch says the recalled cheeses were distributed nationwide, including through Sam’s Club and Foodland in Hawai‘i. State health officials are working with those stores to make sure the possibly contaminated items are no longer available for purchase.

Food and Drug Branch officials alerted the public Thursday (Dec. 4) about the recall issued by The Ambriola Company.

No illnesses or adverse events linked to the recalled cheese have been reported.

The decision to issue the recall was made after the discovery of its potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes — the bacteria that causes listeriosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection resulting from consuming contaminated food.

Hawai‘i health officials advise consumers to check their refrigerators for the recalled product by reviewing the expiration date. Those who purchased the cheese in question should not consume it and either discard it or return it to where it was purchased for a full refund.

If the cheese was opened, seal it in a zip-top plastic bag before disposal. Wash your hands thoroughly and sanitize any surfaces with which it might have come into contact.

Listeriosis primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. It can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

Healthy people could experience symptoms such as fever, severe headache, muscle aches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhea. Although symptoms can appear up to 2 months after exposure, they usually start within several days, often beginning with diarrhea.

Fortunately, listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics.

Anyone who consumed the recalled cheese and is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers with questions can contact The Ambriola Company at 1-800-962-8224 from 4 to 11 a.m. (Hawai‘i Standard Time) Monday through Friday.

Representative product photographs and the specific recalled lot numbers can be found below.