Limeno LLC. has announced a recall of white, hard cheese sold under the brand name Rico Queso. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) detected Salmonella in the product during routine testing, prompting the recall and temporary suspension of production of the cheese. So far, no illnesses have been reported. You can return the recalled cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund.

An Unusual Source of Salmonella
Although there have been some large recalls of various types of nuts and nut products associated with Salmonella contamination, we typically think of Salmonella poisoning as a problem caused by undercooked poultry and eggs.

Cheese can be contaminated with Salmonella, but it is most often found in soft cheese. Raw milk can be a source of Salmonella bacteria in both hard and soft cheese, but cheese made from pasteurized milk can become contaminated during processing, packaging, or handling.

In 2008, one person died and nearly 90 others became ill in Quebec from eating hard cheese that was contaminated with Salmonella. About 40% of the people who were infected had to spend at least one day in the hospital.

Salmonella Infection is Serious and Can Be Fatal
Most healthy adults fully recover after a very unpleasant bout with gastrointestinal symptoms caused by Salmonella poisoning. However, even in healthy adults there are rare complications that can be fatal. Salmonella can be very dangerous and even fatal to infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you believe that you have become ill from consuming recalled cheese or any other product that was later discovered to be contaminated with Salmonella, please contact the experienced defective products attorneys of Schlichter, Bogard & Denton serving clients nationwide.