The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multi-state outbreak of salmonella infections linked to cashew brie cheese.
The CDC announced the food alert after Jules Foods, which makes vegan, or plant-based cheese alternative products, issued a voluntary recall of their entire line due to possible contamination with salmonella, per a notice on the FDA website.
The agency has preliminary confirmation of salmonella in brie products containing cashews.
The line of products recalled include:
Jule’s Cashew Brie (Classic)
UPC: 860388001507 - all expiration dates
Jule’s Truffle Cashew Brie
UPC: 860388001514 - all expiration dates
Jule’s Black Garlic Cashew Brie
UPC: 860388001552 - all expiration dates
Jule’s Artichoke Spinach Dip
UPC: 860388001569 - all expiration dates
Jule’s Vegan Ranch Dressing
UPC: 860388001521 - all expiration dates
There have been five people infected from the outbreak in three states. There were two cases in both California and Texas, and one in Florida. Two of the people had to be hospitalized, but there have been no fatalities, reported USA Today.
Products were distributed to primarily independently owned grocery stores in 17 states including: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas. Items were also sold "direct to consumer."
A full list of stores that sold the products can be found on the company’s website.
“We are a small company so we’re talking about 600 wheels of our cheese,” Julie Van Dam, one of the founders of Jule’s Foods, said in an email to USA Today. “We are devastated to learn that our products have made people sick and are working to get products out of (people's) homes.”
According to the CDC, most people infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after ingesting the bacteria and most recover without treatment in 4 to 7 days.
Individuals in possession of any Jule’s Foods products should dispose of them immediately or return to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the company via email at jules@julesveganfoods.com or telephone at (310) 980-4697 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PDT.
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