Residents in Hawai'i and across the nation are being urged to check their cheese. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch is sounding the alarm on a recall from The Ambriola Company. The company's cheese products, under the brands Locatelli, Boar’s Head, and Member’s Mark, are being pulled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. According to a statement from the DOH, these products have been distributed not just in Hawai'i but nationwide, with retailers like Sam’s Club and Foodland being the key points of sale.
Listeria is no walk in the park. The bacteria can cause listeriosis and pose serious health risks, primarily to those who are pregnant, newborns, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system. The symptoms range from fever and severe headaches to muscle aches and gastrointestinal distress. It's serious enough to potentially cause miscarriages and stillbirths. Consumers who have consumed the recalled product and have begun to experience symptoms should definitely not hesitate to seek medical attention.
Thus far, there have been no reports of illness tied to the recall. The FDB is actively working with impacted stores to make sure the recalled products are yanked from the shelves. Ensuring public safety is paramount, and the FDB's proactive steps to communicate with consumers show commitment to that cause.
For anyone worried they might have bought the products in question, you're advised to thoroughly check expiration dates. If it turns out you've got a match, you should promptly not consume the product. The DOH suggests discarding it or returning it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. To eliminate any risk of cross-contamination, any opened items should be sealed in a bag before tossing it. And as always, wash your hands well and clean any surfaces that might have been in contact with the potentially contaminated cheese.
