Golden Glen Creamery, a company based out of Bow, Washington, has issued a voluntary recall on their Red Pepper with Onion & Garlic Cheddar because of potential health risks associated with the consumption of the product. Those versions of the item which were produced on August 30, 2011 have been recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with what’s known as Listeria monocytogenes. This organism can be potentially fatal to young children, those with compromised immune systems, and the elderly, but even healthy people could be put at risk of experiencing an infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. The Washington Department of Agriculture identified the threat during sample testing.
The three digit batch code of the affected items is “887.” They were sold at farmers markets in Skagit County, Snohomish County, and King County. The item was also available at various independent retailers in the states of Washington and Oregon. The product was available between March 1 and June 7 of 2012. All packages were precut and available in package sizes between 1/3 pound and 1/2 pound. 124 pounds in total fall within the purview of the recall.
Thankfully, there have yet to be any reported instances of an individual becoming ill due to eating this product. Full refunds will be given to those persons who bring the item back to the place where they bought it.