FDA Issues Listeria Advisory for Estrella Family Creamery Cheeses

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to consume Estrella Family Creamery cheeses identified as soft, semi-soft, semi-hard and hard because they may  be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The Montesano, Wash.-based company previously had recalled cheeses due to Listeria contamination, but resumed production in May 2010.

Estrella manufactures at least 18 varieties of soft ripened, semi-soft, semi-hard and hard cheeses made from raw cow or goat milk and aged 60 days or longer. The cheeses are sold in wheels or cut to order for retail markets, and do not contain lot codes. Some of the varieties include Black Creek Buttery, Dominoes, Guapier, Grisdale Goat, Subblime, Partly Sunny, Wynoochee River Blue, Caldwell Crik, Chevrette, Old Apple Tree Tomme, Valentina, Vineyard Tomme, Brewleggio, Red Darla, Reposée, Bea Truffled, Jalapeño Buttery and Weebles.

Estrella cheeses are sold at specialty cheese shops, farmers markets, the companys farm store in Montesano and through the internet. The company also sells to restaurants and takes part in cheese contests where its products are sold.

Click here to view the entire advisory.