Tennessee creamery recalling cheese

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA -- An east Tennessee creamery is recalling a line of its cheese because of the potential for bacterial contamination.

Sweetwater Valley Farm said its Tennessee Aged Black Pepper Cheese should not be eaten because it has the potential to become contaminated with Listeria organisms.

The bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and those with compromised immune systems.

Healthy adults could have short-term illness including fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

The contamination was detected during a routine state inspection.

The cheese was sold at the creamery near Sweetwater and a winery in Portland, Tenn.

The lot number is 616-361 and the product includes 5, 7 and 10 ounce bars. The cheese was produced between Dec. 27, 2007, and May 12, 2008.

Consumers who have cheese from the lot can bring or ship it back to the store for refund or replacement.

© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.