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Los Angeles Warns of Soft Cheese Contamination

By PritzkerLaw

The director of public health in Los Angeles County is warning consumers in Southern California not to eat Latin-American style cheeses from street vendors or unlicensed manufacturers.

Bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria, bovine Tuberculosis or Brucella may contaminate the products, which often are made from unpasteurized dairy products, may have been made under insanitary conditions or haven't  been properly refrigerated.

Public Health Director Jonathan Fielding said the situation is a recipe for disaster and his agency is working with local prosecutors, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to crack down on vendors.

The caution alert applies to the following cheeses: Queso, Fresco, Panela, Queso Seco, Asadero, Queso Oaxacca, Queso Cotija, and Crema.

"Harmful bacteria in these products can be dangerous to your health and safety,'' Fielding said in a department press release.

If you get sick eating unpasteurized, contaminated dairy products, see a physician immediately.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen attorneys has seen similar warnings and outbreaks related to soft cheeses sold by parking lot vendors and street vendors throughout the country. The advice being given in Los Angeles is sound advice everywhere.

To contact a food safety lawyer at our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Or, to receive a free case consultation, complete our online form.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on August 20, 2009 (boomark / email).