State officials warn against raw, unpasteurized cheese sold at farmers markets

State regulators in Michigan have issued a public warning about raw cheese sold at farmers markets in the state.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said some cheese produced at Hickory Knoll Farms Creamery LLC of Onondaga, MI, may have been made and held in unsanitary conditions without pasteurization or antibiotic testing.

Inspectors said all products will be labeled with the name, “Hickory Knoll Farms.” 

The cheese was sold directly from the facility or at farmers markets throughout Michigan. 

Consumers who bought these products are asked to throw them out. 

The farmers markets where state officials believed the cheese was sold include: 

• Hickory Knoll Farms Creamery, 2655 Gould Rd, Onondaga, MI 49264
• Allen Farmers Market in Lansing
• City of East Lansing Farmer’s Market in East Lansing
• Meridian Township Farmers Market in Okemos
• Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids
• East Lansing Underground Market in East Lansing

The impacted products include:

• Chévre (Plain, Sundried Tomato Basil Garlic, Rio Grande, Blueberry Almond, or Garlic Basil Pesto with Pine Nuts)
• Feta
• goat milk cheeses
• Charbonnel (Tomme)
• Cheddar
• Cabra Borracho (Drunken Goat)
• Quixote (Manchego)
• Rhymney (Caerphilly)

• Cow Milk Cheeses
  • Cheese Curds (Plain, Sundried Tomato Basil Garlic, or Garlic Dill)
  • Fresh Mozzarella
  • Lounell (Tomme)
  • Lounell al Vino (Wine Soaked)
  • Harmony (Beer Soaked)
  • Marie (Camembert Style)
  • White Cheddar Cheese
  • White Cheddar Cheese with Sundried Tomato Basil Garlic
  • Poitou (Raclette)
  • LeaMin (Gruyére)
  • Kronberg (Appenzeller)
  • Raw Milk Asiago
  • Gouda
  • Pepper Jack
  • Parmesan

No illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported, but state health officials said consuming food produced under insanitary conditions and not fully pasteurized or tested for antibiotic residues can pose a significant health risk. Those risks increase for young people, the elderly, those who are immunocompromised and others allergic to certain antibiotics. 

Anyone who has consumed any of these products and has symptoms such nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), fever, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, weakness, headache, chest tightness, trouble breathing, tingling, dizziness, wheezing, or other symptoms associated with a foodborne illness or an allergic reaction, is urged to seek medical advice.

Consumers who have this cheese product are encouraged to throw it out. 

Consumers can call MDARD with questions or concerns at 800-292-3939.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/09/state-officials-warn-against-raw-unpasteurized-cheese-sold-at-farmers-markets/