FDA issues contaminated cheese warning

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a consumer warning and recall of possibly contaminated Grassy Meadows Dairy Co. cheeses.

Routine surveillance by the Indiana Board of Animal Health's Dairy Division revealed high levels of staphylococcus aureus in several raw milk cheeses manufactured by the Howe, Ind., dairy.

Because of the facility's location, the FDA said consumers in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana should also check their refrigerators for the recalled items.

Products of concern include, but are not limited to, Colby (lot no. 210317 and 19177), Jalapeno natural cheese (lot no. 2617, 21017 and 11017), "Homemade" cheese (lot no. 19267 and 19227), Monterey Jack (lot no. 18207 and 2937), and garlic pepper cheese (lot no. 19147). All were sold in wedges or blocks of various weights.

Officials advised consumers not to eat any raw milk cheese from the Grassy Meadows Dairy that was purchased before Jan. 30.

Grassy Meadows products were sold directly to consumers from the dairy farm, located in LaGrange County, Ind., as well as retail health food stores.

Staph infections can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, headache and muscle cramping, the FDA said.