Listeriosis illnesses are associated with a recall of crema and queso sold under the Lacteos Santa Martha brand. The recall was issued by Oasis Brands Inc. of Miami, which distributed the products in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina from April 1st thought October 14.
“The recall comes after product samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeriosis,” said Fred Pritzker, a national food safety lawyer who has won millions for his clients. “In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a possible outbreak of illnesses that may caused by one or more of the recalled products [listed below].”
Below is the list of recalled crema and queso products.
- Queso Seco Centroamericano (Dry White Cheese) 1Lb – UPC 876593 001874
- Queso Seco Olanchano (Dry Cheese) 1Lb – UPC 635349 000840
- Queso Seco Hondureno (Dry Cheese) 12oz – UPC 876593 001690
- Quesito Casero (Fresh Curd) 12oz -UPC 635349 000406
- My Queso (Latin Flavor Cheese) 1Lb -UPC 635349 000406
- Queso Cuzcatlan (Salvadorean Flavor Cheese) 1Lb -UPC 635349 000406
- Queso para Freir (Cheese for Frying) 12oz -UPC 635349 000758
- Queso Fresco (Fresh Cheese) 12oz – UPC 635349 000703
- Cuajada en Hoja Queso Casero Hecho a Mano (Fresh Curd) 12oz- UPC 635349 000895
- Crema Centroamericana (Soft Blend Dairy Spread) 1Lb -UPC 876593 001898
- Mantequilla Hondurena (Honduran Style Cream) 1Lb – UPC 635349 000772
- Crema Nica (Grade A Cultured Cream) 1Lb – UPC 635349 000468
- HonduCrema Olanchana (Olanchana Style Soft Blend Dairy Spread) 1Lb -UPC 635349 000598
- Crema Guatemalteca (Guatemalan Style Cream) 1Lb -UPC 635349 000819
- Crema GuateLinda (Guatemalan Style Cream) 1Lb -UPC 635349 000390
- Crema Cuzcatlan (Salvadorean Style Cream) 1Lb – UPC 635349 000444
The products can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) sticker on the label of the plastic bag of 07/01/14 through 12/31/14. Although the recalled products were distributed in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina, it is possible that the products were sold in other states because distributors and large retailers further distribute products, often nationwide.
Listeriosis can cause meningitis, an infection of a lining of the brain.