Many people keep cream cheese in their fridge without thinking twice about it. It is a simple staple used for breakfast, snacks, and cooking.
But occasionally, routine food safety checks uncover problems that turn an everyday product into a potential health risk.
That is now the case with several cream cheese products that authorities say could pose a serious danger to consumers.
Serious FDA warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a Class I recall for a range of cream cheese products made by the company Made Fresh Salads.
Also read: What research says about drinking water from plastic bottles
This is the most severe warning level the FDA can assign. It is used when there is a realistic chance that consuming a product could cause severe illness or death.
The recall initially began in February but was upgraded to the highest warning level on March 11.
How the problem started
According to the FDA, the issue was discovered during routine food safety sampling.
Investigators later traced the potential contamination to part of a mixer used in the production process. The equipment was found to contain Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
Also read: Two dead and several seriously ill after meningitis outbreak
The company has since removed the affected mixer from production.
Products affected
The recalled items were sold in five-pound white plastic tubs with a Made Fresh Salads label and distributed in New York City areas including Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
The following flavors are included in the recall:
- Apple Cinnamon
- Caramel
- Blueberry
- Garlic & Herb
- Jalapeño
- Jalapeño Cheddar
- Lox
- Scallion
- Strawberry
- Sundried Tomato
- Vegetable
- Walnut Raisin
- Whipped Cream Cheese
- Tofu Whipped
Health risks
Listeria infections can cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, fatigue, diarrhea and muscle pain.
Also read: New study: Severe respiratory infections may increase risk of lung cancer
For vulnerable groups, including older adults and people with weakened immune systems, the infection can become severe and lead to serious complications.
Also read: A few minutes a day can help strengthen your balance