Hy-Vee recalls Maytag Blue Cheese for listeria contamination

Published 4:11 pm Thursday, March 3, 2016

Hy-Vee Inc. is recalling Maytag Raw Milk Blue Cheese across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled cheese was sold in whole wheels and cuts, and re-packaged in foil or clear plastic wrap with scale labels in various weights. Blue cheese crumbles were also sold in plastic containers. All product was labeled as “Maytag Blue Raw Milk,” “Maytag Blue” or “Maytag Iowa Blue Cheese” and with PLU numbers beginning with 854089001 and with “use by” dates between Jan. 20, 2016 and May 3, 2016. The product was sold from cheese cases in all of Hy-Vee’s 240 stores located in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin, between Nov. 20, 2015 and March 2, 2016. Out of an abundance of caution, Hy-Vee is recalling all sizes and forms (wheels, wedges and crumbles) of Maytag Blue Cheese products from all of its stores.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product.

The potential for contamination through the West Des Moines, Iowa-based grocery chain was discovered after testing by the Sstate of Iowa revealed the presence of listeria in two lots of product. Maytag Dairy Farms has voluntarily suspended production and distribution while the company collaborates with FDA and the State of Iowa to determine the cause of the problem.

Customers who purchased this product should discard it or return it to their local Hy-Vee store for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Hy-Vee Customer Care representatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-772-4098.