While Whole Foods might have prices that prevent some people from buying their groceries there, it’s not immune to the wee pathogens that wreak havoc on the digestive tract’s of both the rich and the poor. Thus, Whole Foods has had to issue a recall on Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese sold in 21 states and Washington, D.C., because it may be contaminated with Listeria.

The recall comes on the heels of 14 known illnesses that may be tied to the recalled cheese. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems. Short-term symptoms can include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. It has also been known to cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The cheese, produced by Whole Foods supplier Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, NY, was cut into wedges, packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label using PLU 293427.

All “sell by” dates through Oct. 2 are affected. Fourteen illnesses have been reported which may be associated with the Frescolina recall.

Whole Foods stores in the following states are affected by this recall (The full list with store addresses can be found HERE):
1. Alabama (1 store)
2. Arizona (2 stores)
3. California (2 stores)
4. Colorado(2 stores)
5. Florida (5 stores)
6. Georgia (4 stores)
7. Kansas (1 store)
8. Kentucky (1 store)
9. Maryland (6 stores)
10. North Carolina (7 stores)
11. New Jersey (2 stores)
12. New Mexico (2 stores)
13. New York (2 stores)
14. Ohio (2 stores)
15. Oregon (6 stores)
16. Pennsylvania (5 stores)
17. South Carolina (1 store)
18. Tennessee (3 stores)
19. Utah (1 store)
20. Virginia (6 stores)
21. Washington (6 stores)
22. Washington, D.C. (3 stores)

Customers who have purchased this product from Whole Foods Market may return it to the store for a full refund, and call with questions 512-542-0060 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

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