Bronson Advises Consumers To Check Refrigerators For Potentially Tainted Cheeses

Bronson Advises Consumers To Check Refrigerators For Potentially Tainted Cheeses
Contact:
Dr. John Fruin
(850) 245-5520

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging consumers to check their refrigerators for Ole Mexican Foods' Verole Queso Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese and Ole Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese. The two products may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

The potential for this contamination was determined after random testing performed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services revealed the presence of E.coli bacteria in samples of both of the cheeses.

"The discovery of this problem demonstrates the importance of an integrated pro-active food safety program, where products from stores and food processors are not only inspected but tested in our labs, as well," Bronson said.

Department inspectors are working with Florida grocery chains to remove any of the potentially tainted cheese from those stores and are checking warehouses in Florida from which the products were distributed. Bronson said his agency has also notified the U.S. Food Drug Administration, which is responsible for the products in other states.

The affected code for Verole Queso Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese Net Wt. 15 oz. is V7&8 052 47193 SELL BY: 05/31/07; the affected code for Ole Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese Net Wt. 12 oz. is V5&6 051 47193 SELL BY: 05/30/07. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.