This is one of several recalls involving Deutsch Käse Haus in the past week, following Sargento’s recall of its Colby cheese products and Guggisberg Cheese pulling some cheese products produced by the Indiana-based supplier.
The recalls first began when the Tennessee Department of Agriculture found traces of LM in samples of Amish Classics cheese from a retail store.
No illnesses due to consumption of the affected products have been reported, but it can take up to 70 days after being exposed to the bacterium for Listeria infection symptoms to surface, according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Nationally-sold Gouda
The possibly contaminated specialty Gouda cheese was supplied by Deutsch Käse Haus to Saputo’s Green Bay, Wisconsin, facility.
The affected retail products are the Great Midwest Applewood Smoked Gouda cheeses. As a precautionary measure, Saputo is also recalling the Dutchmark Smoked Gouda cheeses, which were packaged on the same line.
The recalled products were sold to retailers nationwide. The Great Midwest Applewood Smoke Gouda cheeses were sold primarily in retail stores at deli counter and deli cases. Saputo said it has been working with impacted customers to remove all the recalled products from store shelves.
Saputo urged consumers to return to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Voluntary recalls depends on the manufacturer
According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website a food recall is a voluntary action made by the manufacturer or distributor to “protect the public from products that may cause health problems or possible death.”
A recall is also intended to remove potentially harmful products from all commerce channels. However, a voluntary recall does not suggest less urgency or precede a mandatory recall. In other words, it is almost entirely up to the manufacturer to issue the recall.
If a company refuses to recall its products that could be unsafe for consumers, the FSIS then has the legal authority to detain and seize those products in the marketplace.