Cultured Kitchen Cheeses Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

The Cultured Kitchen out of West Sacramento, CA has initiated a recall of all flavors of their cashew cheese products due to risk of contamination with Salmonella. The products were sold in natural food stores throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada, and at farmers markets in Sacramento and have an expiration dates of on or before April 19, 2014.

The California Department of Public Health warned people not to eat the cheese after 15 cases of illnesses have been reported in the Western United States, with 12 of those in California. Three patients have been hospitalized and there have been no reported deaths.

The cashew cheese products were sold in eight-ounce plastic containers in the following flavors: Herb, smoked cheddar, pepper jack, habanero cilantro lime, basil pesto and white cheddar (as pictured here).

While the cashew cheese products are no longer being sold at retail facilities, CDPH is concerned that consumers may still have some of these products in their homes. Consumers in possession of these recalled products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Most infected people recover within a week; however, some may develop complications and require hospitalization. Infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for severe illness.

Consumers experiencing any ill effects after eating these products should consult their health care provider. Consumers that observe the product being sold should call CDPH’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.