Trader Joe's Recalls Garlic Cheese Curds Due to Listeria Risk

Key TakeawaysRecalled garlic cheese curds sold at Trader Joe’s may be contaminated with listeriaThe recalled cheese was sold in parts of California and NevadaNo illnesses have been reported, but customers should throw out the product.MONDAY, June 23, 2025 (HealthDay News) — A cheese sold at Trader Joe’s has been recalled due to possible listeria contamination.The product is Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheese Curds. It was sold at Trader Joe’s stores across Northern California and Northern Nevada, the company said June 20.The affected packages are marked with the “Use BY 082925” date. Customers are being asked to throw the cheese out or return it for a full refund."A single lot code of Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds is being recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes," the company wrote.The recall affects Trader Joe’s stores inCalifornia: Monterey, Fresno and all locations in the northern part of the state.Nevada: Carson City, Reno and Sparks."The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria," the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a notice.Face Rock Creamery is based in Bandon, Ore. The company, the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the FDA are now investigating the cause of the contamination.No illnesses have been reported so far."Face Rock Creamery is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our products and is working closely with our distribution partners and regulatory agencies to resolve the matter swiftly and thoroughly," the company said."We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the trust our customers place in us," it added in a statement.Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious illness called listeriosis.Most healthy people may only get mild symptoms like fever, diarrhea or headache. But the infection can be dangerous for pregnant women and newborns, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.In severe cases, it can cause confusion and seizures.Listeria is most commonly found in soft cheeses, deli meats, hot dogs and unpasteurized milk. It can also be found in raw vegetables and smoked seafood, according to the Cleveland Clinic.Customers with questions can contact Trader Joe’s customer relations at 626-599-3817 or through the company’s website.More informationRead the full recall announcement on the Trader Joe's website.SOURCE: FDA, June 21, 2025.What This Means For YouCustomers who bought garlic cheese curds at Trader Joe’s in Northern California or Nevada should check the package date. Some have been recalled..Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter