Castle Importing cheeses recalled over Listeria concerns

Castle Importing, Inc. of Fontana, CA, is recalling certain cheese products because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

According to the details posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated on Feb. 5 and is ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed in California, Ohio, Connecticut, Florida, Texas, Washington and Illinois.

Recalled products:

Crumbled Cotija Net Wt. 5.6 lbs (300/0.3oz), Net Wt. 7.5 lbs (300/0.4 oz) Fontana, CA 92336 Plant #06-00333

Classic Castle Brand Crumbled Cotija Net Wt. 20 lbs, Net Wt. 5 lbs Fontana, CA 92336 Plant #06-00333

Classic Castle Brand Grated Cotija Net Wt. 20 lbs, Net Wt. 5 lbs Fontana, CA 92336 Plant #06-00333

• Product Quantity: 8,886 cases
• Recall Number: F-1038-2024
• Code Information: CASTLE CRUMBLED COTIJA 4/5LB 00791-24IN4/5-PH2 56006 Customer Lot # 23285 23285 23296 23306 23306 23317 23317 23338 23338 23338 23338 23349 23356 23356 23356 23360 23361 24011 24017 24017 24018 24018 24018 24031 24032 24922 CRUMBLED COTIJA 300/.3oz 00791-7LNRS300/.3oz-PH2 76002 Customer Lot # 23299 23300 23300 23304 23307 23313 23313 23320 23320 23333 23333 23342 23342 23347 23348 23349 23352 23352 23354 23355 23355 23356 23360 23361 24011 24012 24015 24016 24017 24022 24023 24024 24029 24030 24534 CRUMBLED COTIJA 300/.4oz 00791-7LNRS300/.4oz-PH2 76023 Customer Lot # 23333 23334 23361 23362 24012 24015 24015 24016 24026 24029 24029 24030 24031 24032 24033 CASTLE GRATED COTIJA 4/5 00650-7-24IN4/5 76036 Customer Lot # 23313 23320 23332 23333 23361 24017 24024 24030 CASTLE GRATED COTIJA 4/5lbs 00650-0-24IN4/5 76034 Customer Lot # 23293 23296 23355 23356 24011 24029 24030 24031 24032

Classic Castle Brand Shredded Three Cheese Blend Net Wt. 20 Lbs, Net Wt. 5 lbs. Fontana, CA 92336 Plant #06-00333

• Product Quantity: 667 cases
• Recall Number: F-1039-2024
• Code Information: CA SHR 3 CHS BLND 4/5lbs 00754-2-24IN4/5 70095 Customer Lot # 23290 23312 23325 23354 23354 23355 24003 24033

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to their place of purchase.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause severe and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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