Azteca Linda expands recall on Soft cheeses contaminated with Listeria, stops production

A Brooklyn company is expanding a recall it announced last week on several varieties of its Queso Fresco (Mexican-style soft cheese) because it may be contaminated with Listeria bacteria.

According to a release from Azteca Linda Corp., the recall on Queso Fresco (Fresh White Cheese) to include the expiration date of SEP 12 2010.

In addition to the recall expansion, Azteca Linda is also recalling its Queso El Azteca brand Requeson (Ricotta Cheese) with an expiration date of SEP 19 2010. It, too, may be contaminated with Listeria bacteria.

Here is more product information from Azteca Linda:
QUESO FRESCO (FRESH WHITE CHEESE) is packaged in a hard plastic (clam shell) container labeled with the brand name Queso El Azteca, NET WT. 14 OZ. (396g), UPC 0 23986 92692 8, and expiration date SEP 12 2010.
REQUESON (RICOTTA CHEESE) is packaged in a hard plastic (clam shell) container labeled with the brand name Queso El Azteca, NET WT. 14 OZ. (396g), no UPC coding, and with expiration date SEP 19 2010.

Listeria poisoning can be fatal to the elderly or very young, or to those with compromised immune systems. Listeria poisoning has also been blamed on several miscarriages and stillbirths.

No illnesses have been linked to any of the recalled cheeses. The Rhode Island Dept. of Health conducted testing on the cheeses and discovered the contamination.

Azteca Linda has temporarily stopped production at its Brooklyn facility.