FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2009
Salvador Torres, Manager 517-368-5990

Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese of Reading, Michigan announces the recall of all lots of its Muenster, Brick, Queso Quesadilla Michigan and Farmers cheeses because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
 
No Listeria monocytogenes has been found in samples of these cheeses, nor have any illnesses been connected with these cheeses.  However, they were manufactured on the same equipment as our semi-soft cheeses, which were last recalled on June 13, 2009 because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  A sample of queso fresco cheese, taken by an investigator from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on May 26, 2009, was subsequently tested by an FDA laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The FDA has now advised Torres that laboratory testing has shown that our Muenster, Brick, Queso Quesadilla Michigan and Farmers cheeses will support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, and Torres has decided to recall these cheeses.
 
These products were distributed 5 - 6 lb. blocks (six to eight blocks per case) to retail stores and delis in the following states: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.   As purchased, there will be no indication to the consumer that the cheese is from Torres.  Therefore, consumers who have purchased these types of cheeses, and want to know whether they are part of this recall, should contact the store where they purchased the cheese for more information.
 
A complete listing of all of the Torres cheeses recalled by our firm since March 2009 may be found at the end of this press release.  The products added to our recall today, and covered by this press release include:

Queso Quesadilla Michigan, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, Brick, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, Farmers Cheese, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, Muenster, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Muenster, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC

Torres has now recalled all of its cheese products with the exception of Cotija, which is a hard grating cheese that will not support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes.
 
This recall is being conducted to the consumer level.  Consumers are urged to return all recalled products to the store of purchase.  Torres is requesting that all retail stores cease selling these cheeses immediately, and that restaurants cease serving them.  Torres will visit their direct account customers to pick up stocks on hand.  Consumers with questions may contact Salvador Torres, Manager, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese LLC at 517-368-5990, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. EDT.
 
Complete listing of cheeses recalled by Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC

Aguascalientes Queso Asadero, net wt. 12 oz., Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; UPC 9492267525
 
Aguascalientes Queso Asadero, net wt. 16 oz., Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; UPC 9492267523
 
Aguascalientes Queso Fresco Authentico, net wt. 8 oz., Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; UPC 9492267530
 
Aguascalientes Queso Fresco Authentico, net wt. 16 oz., Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; UPC 9492267532
 
Aguascalientes Queso Oaxaca, random weight, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; UPC 9492267528 [This is a 10 pound ball]
 
Morral Adobera, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Queso Anejo Adobera, net wt. 16 oz, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; UPC 9492267524
 
Queso Anejo Adobera, 3 pound package, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Queso Asadero Aguascalientes, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC [This is a 10 pound ball]
 
Queso Quesadilla Michigan, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, Brick, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, Farmers Cheese, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, Muenster, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Muenster, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Requeson, 1 gallon pail, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
 
Torres Requeson, 3 gallon pail, Torres Hillsdale Country Cheese, LLC, Reading, MI; no UPC
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