News from New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets

For more information contact: Jessica Chittenden, 518-457-3136

***Consumer Alert***

E. coli Contamination in Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese

ALBANY, NY (09/02/2008; 1424)(readMedia)-- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today warned consumers not to consume certain "La Clarita Queseria, Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese," made by Queseria La Poblanita Inc., 216 E. 117^th St., New York, New York 10035 due to possible E. coli contamination.

The product is contained in a foil wrapped, 14 oz. net weight package with a code of Sept 21 2008. The consumer warning affects all packages with this code.

A routine sample of the cheese, taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on August 20, 2008, was subsequently tested by the Department's Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. On August 25, 2008, the manufacturer was notified of the presence of E. coli bacteria and the company agreed to voluntarily recall the product.

E. coli bacteria are a family of bacteria that could contain certain pathogenic strains. E. coli contaminated products can cause illness in immune compromised individuals along with other high-risk groups. The most frequent signs of illness are watery and or bloody diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps and low-grade fever.

To date, no illnesses are known by the Department to be associated with this product.

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