No cheese has been distributed since the initial positive test for L. monocytogenes.
The company said that product packaged in 4 oz. wedges, 8 oz. wedges, two-pound wheels and four-pound wheels were being recalled, and they had lot numbers 150479, 150480, 150481, 150482 and 150483.
Five-pound crumbles with batch numbers 950826, 960020, 960037, 960040, 960041, 960049, 960053, 960054, 960067, 960068, 960069, 960070, 960071, 960072 and 960073 are also part of the recall.
Cheese sold to retail, restaurants, online
Maytag said that the lot number or batch number appears on the side or the bottom of the product.
The recalled product was distributed through retail stores, restaurants, and direct mail orders nationwide between December 11, 2015, and February 11, 2016.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Dairy Products Control Bureau discovered the possible contamination as part of the follow-up testing of cheese products from the facility. To date there have been no reported illnesses linked to the product.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to not consume them. Customers can call Maytag Dairy Farms at 800-247-2458 or 641-791-2010 to arrange for a refund and return of the product.
Maytag to update online
The company said in a statement, “We apologize for any temporary inconvenience or concern that our voluntary recall is causing our customers and the families who have enjoyed our products for generations.”
It said that it would continue to provide updates on its website.
The Department has been in contact with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding this situation.
Listeria is a bacterial pathogen found in the environment. The very young, elderly, and those who are immunocompromised are especially susceptible if they eat product contaminated with listeria.