Recall Announcement  (ODA/ODH) 2002-10

March 21, 2002 

Ahava Food Corp. Recalls "Zuriel/Golan" Brand Cheeses From Israel

Brooklyn, NY - March 21, 2002 -- Ahava Food Corp. recalls "Zuriel/Golan" brand cheeses from Israel with a sell by of 3/25/02 or later.

The following is a list of the items:

Brand

Item

Packaging

Size

Zuriel/Golan

Halomy Cheese

Retail plastic vacuum bag w/ label

7oz

Zuriel/Golan

Olive 5% Cream Cheese

Retail plastic cup with lid

9.5oz

Zuriel/Golan

Bulgarian Cheese

Retail plastic cup with lid

7oz

Zuriel/Golan

Goat Feta Spread

Retail plastic cup with lid

7oz

Zuriel/Golan

Onion ½ % Cream Cheese

Retail plastic cup with lid

9.5oz

Zuriel/Golan

Fermier Cheese

Paper Wrapped w/ label

6.4oz

Zuriel/Golan

Bery Cheese

Paper Wrapped w/ label

6.4oz

Zuriel/Golan

Camembert Cheese

Paper Wrapped w/ label

8oz

Zuriel/Golan

Fomme de Provence Cheese

Paper Wrapped w/ label

6.4oz

Zuriel/Golan

Bucheron Cheese

Paper Wrapped w/ label

6.4oz

Zuriel/Golan

Olive ½ % Cream Cheese

Retail plastic cup with lid

9.5oz

Recent tests show that the above items have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune system. Although healthy individuals my 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 woman.

The recalled above products were distributed to kosher only retail stores located in Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; Columbus, Ohio; New York, and New Jersey.

Please view the above item list for product name, packaging and size.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential of contamination was noted after routine testing by the F.D.A. revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in several of the above items.

The importation of this product has been suspended while F.D.A. and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem.

Customers who have purchased the above items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-243-0400.