Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion Company Issues Voluntary Recall of...

“HEB Queso Cotija (Grated)”, “El Viajero Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)”, “El Viajero Queso Cotija (Grated)”, “BMF Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)” Because of Possible Health Risk

Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion Company in Wisconsin is voluntarily recalling “HEB Queso Cotija (Grated)”, “El Viajero Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)”, “El Viajero Queso Cotija (Grated)”, and “BMF Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)” because it has the potential to 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 illnesses have been reported.

• “HEB Queso Cotija (Grated)” – 8 oz. packages, Distributed in Texas. UPC code 0 4122024846 9 and sell-by dates of 08FEB12 and 09MAR12, which are located on the back of the package. Product was distributed between October 27, 2011 and December 23, 2011.
• “El Viajero Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)” -- 8 oz packages, Distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee and Florida UPC code 0 7282014045 7 (located on the bottom left of front label) and sell by dates of 24FEB12, 09MAR12 or 15MAR12, which are located on the back of the package. Product was distributed between November 1, 2011 and January 3, 2012.
• “El Viajero Queso Cotija (Grated)” -- 4 lb. packages, Distributed in Indiana and Minnesota. Use-by code 09MAR12, located on the back of the package. Product was distributed between November 11, 2011 and January 3, 2012.
• “BMF Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)” -- 5 lb. packages, Distributed in New York. Sell by date of 16FEB12, 01MAR12 or 15MAR12, on product cases. Product was distributed between October 21, 2011 and January 3, 2012.

Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion discovered the issue during testing of its products by an independent laboratory. Laboratory testing has confirmed that certain products processed in the shred line contained Listeria monocytogenes. Therefore, other products produced on the same line, even if they have been tested and found to be negative, have the potential to be contaminated.

Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion has contacted the FDA and issued the recall. Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion has ceased the production and distribution of the products as FDA and Alpine Slicing continue their investigation into the matter. All remaining inventory has been quarantined.

Consumers are urged to stop consuming the recalled product and return all recalled products to the store of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact Vicki Bergendal at 608-934-5707 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CST, Monday through Friday.