Listeria contaminated cheese by Crave Brothers recalled

WASHINGTON, July 6 (UPI) -- U.S and state regulatory agencies say they are conducting a multistate investigation of listeria-contaminated cheese that may be responsible for one death.

The soft Brie-style cheese manufactured by Crave Brothers Farmstead Classics in Wisconsin has been linked to a death of an older adult in Minnesota and the miscarriage of a baby, Food Safety News reported. The others infected were in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Minnesota.

Early testing by the Minnesota Department of Health and Agriculture indicated the presence of listeria in cheese samples. Further confirmation was being awaited.

Crave Brothers, the target of the investigation, has voluntarily recalled the following cheese products:

-- Les Freres, LF225 2/2.5#, with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in white plastic with a green and gold label.

-- Petit Frere, PF88 8/8 oz., with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes.

-- Petit Frere with Truffles, PF88T 8/8 oz., with a make date of 7-1-13 or prior, packaged in small round wooden boxes.

These products were distributed nationwide through retail and food service outlets as well as by mail order, said officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"We are cooperating with the regulatory agencies' ongoing investigation of the cause of the potential health risks," George Crave, president of Crave Brothers, said in a statement.

Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged not to consume them, FDA officials said. They can return the cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund or throw it away.