Lynnfield, Mass.-based HP Hood is recalling select Heluva Good branded 8-ounce plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Web site. Although healthy individuals may only suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness and nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled products are:
8-ounce plastic cup containers of Heluva Good Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Food
UPC 73570 55503
Sell by date between 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010

8-ounce plastic cup containers of Heluva Good Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Food
UPC 73570 55501
Sell by date between 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product and codes listed below.

The recalled products were distributed in stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island.

The recall is being done as a precaution and is the result of a sampling done by the state of Wisconsin (from the facility that co-packs products under the Heluva Good brand), which revealed that some finished products contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place-of-purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions can call Heluva Good Consumer Affairs at 800/242-2423.