El Ranchero, a South River, New Jersey-based company is recalling several of it’s cheese products after a pregnant woman tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes after consuming one of the items in question.
This type of infection has been linked to miscarriages in women as well as death or serious injury in children, elderly individuals and people with weaker immune systems.
According to the press release “El Ranchero Queso Fresco, Los Corrales Queso Fresco en Hoja De Platano, and El Ranchero Queso Oaxaca were distributed from 2/23/12 through 3/14/12 through direct delivery to retail stores, supermarkets and restaurants located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
Concerned consumers should check the packaging labels to see if they’ve purchased these products.
The press release also notes that “El Ranchero Queso Fresco (Fresh Cheese) with UPC 88052230013 and Los Corrales Queso Fresco en Hoja De Platano (Fresh Cheese in Banana Leaf) with UPC 880522300037 are packaged in a 14 oz. plastic clamshell. El Ranchero Queso Oaxaca (String Cheese) is packaged in a 14 oz shrink wrap with UPC 880522300068 and 10 lb. plastic loose wrap with UPC 88522300051.”
“El Ranchero Del Sur, LLC has ceased the production and distribution of these products,” the company said in a statement. “The FDA and El Ranchero del Sur, LLC. continue their investigation as to what may have caused the problem.”
Most of the products being recalled are sold in Mexican and Latin American grocery stores or served in Mexican and Latin American restaurants.
Consumers who have purchased the products mentioned above should keep them refrigerated and return to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have questions or concerns contact El Ranchero Del Sur, LLC. at (732) 967-9265 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.
