Press Release 08/28/2006
Contact: Public Affairs (404) 656-3689
Three bacteria found in Ole Mexican Foods cheese;
Company recalling from several states, says Ag Chief Irvin
Ole Mexican Foods, Inc. of Norcross is recalling Ole brand and Verole brand – Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese because it tested positive for three bacteria, Tommy Irvin, Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner announced today.
The bacteria found in the cheese sample were E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Coliforms. Among the digestive tract illnesses they can cause is food poisoning. Anyone who has eaten the cheese and has severe diarrhea and/or nausea and vomiting should seek medical care immediately.
The recalled cheese is sold in 12-ounce round plastic vacuum packages, 24-ounce round plastic vacuum packages, and five-pound vacuum-packaged bags with a white label and sell by dates of 9/20/06 and 9/21/06. Ole Mexican Foods began the recall after a Florida Department of Agriculture sample tested positive for the three bacteria. The cheese was manufactured at a plant in Tennessee.
“All three of these bacteria can cause severe illnesses and infections,” Commissioner Irvin warned. “If you have any of the cheese designated in the recall, please return it to the place of purchase for a refund. It may have been distributed in 21 states, including Georgia and all its surrounding states.
“Our sanitarians will be looking for this product, but consumers should check any they have bought for the identification and point out any for sale to the merchant,” Commissioner Irvin advised.
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