Maker Recalls Cheeses That May Be Tainted

A major supplier of cheese distributed mainly in the Los Angeles area has announced the recall of seven types of cheese products due to the discovery of a bacteria that can produce flu-like symptoms in healthy people. The Carson-based Azteca Cheese Co. said the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria was found during a routine cheese sampling. Although there have been no confirmed illnesses associated with the products, all affected Queso Azteca packages should be discarded, a California Department of Food and Agriculture official said.

The bacteria is a serious health concern for pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.

Due to the possibility of cross-contamination, Azteca Cheese is voluntarily recalling the following products:

* Cotija brand all-natural cheese and part skim milk cheese in 50-60 pound random-weight wheels.

* Panela Casera part skim milk cheese in 10-pound “basket” wheels

* Queso Oaxaca part skim milk cheese in 10- to 11-pound random-weight balls.

* Queso Crema whole milk cheese in 3- to 4-pound “basket” wheels.

* Queso Fresco whole milk cheese in 12-ounce wheels.

* Queso Panela whole milk cheese in 12-ounce wheels.

* Queso Adobera part skim milk cheese in 5-pound loaves.

As a precautionary measure, stores that carry the products are removing them from shelves. Restaurants and individuals who may have purchased the affected products should discard them immediately, a state official said. Products in other sizes of the seven brands, and not manufactured by Azteca, are not subject to the recall, he said.