Panera Bread issues voluntary recall for cream cheese
The recall was initiated after samples of one variety tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
“Out of an abundance of caution,” Panera Bread, St. Louis, said it is conducting a nationwide preemptive voluntary recall of all 2 oz. and 8 oz. cream cheese products sold in its U.S. bakery-cafes. The recall was initiated after samples of one variety of 2 oz. cream cheese from a single production day showed a positive result for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Tests on cream cheese samples manufactured both before and after the production run in question all came back negative. There have been no reported illnesses in conjunction with the recalled product.
The products included in the recall are all varieties of unexpired 2 oz. and 8 oz. cream cheese products with an expiration date on or before April 2, 2018. This recall affects only cream cheese sold in U.S. Panera Bread bakery cafes , the company noted.
“The safety of our guests and associates is paramount; therefore, we are recalling all cream cheese products sold in the U.S. with an active shelf life. We have likewise ceased all manufacturing in the associated cream cheese facility,” said Blaine Hurst, Panera’s president and CEO.
According to the FDA, Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
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