Three Raw Milk Cheeses Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Flat Creek Farm & Dairy of Swainsboro, GA has recalled 3 lots of cheese with lot codes 140802XAZ (Aztec Cheddar), 140702XAZ (Low Country Gouda voluntary recall) and 140725XGO (Aztec Cheddar voluntary recall) because of potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications can include severe arthritis. The lot codes can be found on the front of the packages.

As of November 25, 2014 at 11:00am, according to Flat Creek records, all of the purchasers have been notified and all but 1.5 pounds of the cheese has been recovered. Two of the batches of raw milk cheese (lot codes 140702XAZ and 140725XGO) have been tested by an independent lab. The results were negative for contamination, but they are being

voluntarily recalled and destroyed by Flat Creek.

Aztec Cheddar and Low Country Gouda was distributed in certain parts of Georgia via Flat Creek delivery and (1) online order (www.flatcreekdairy.com), which have all been notified. The product is packed in clear plastic and ranges in sizes from ½ pound to whole wheels. The results were negative for contamination, but they are being voluntarily recalled and destroyed by Flat Creek.

All of the raw milk cheese has been destroyed. Flat Creek Dairy is no longer producing raw milk cheese and has begun gently pasteurizing its artisanal cheeses.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which revealed that the finished products were contaminated. The company has identified the source of the problem and has eliminated it from future batches.

Consumers that have purchased this product are asked to return the product to the place of purchase. They may also call Flat Creek Dairy & Farm at 478-237-0123, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST for more information.