INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Board of Animal Health’s Dairy Division revealed high levels of staphylococcus aureus (or “staph”) in several raw milk cheeses manufactured by Grassy Meadows Dairy of Howe, Ind.
Because of the facility’s location, consumers in Ohio and Michigan, as well as Indiana, should also check their refrigerators for these items.
Products
Products of concern include, but are not limited to, Colby (lot no. 210317 and 19177); Jalapeno natural cheese (lot no. 2617, 21017 and 11017); “Homemade” cheese (lot no. 19267 and 19227); Monterey Jack (lot no. 18207 and 2937); and garlic pepper cheese (lot no. 19147).
All are sold in wedges or blocks of various weights.
Due to the nature of the manufacturing process for raw milk cheese, the Board of Animal Health advises consumers not to eat any cheese from this facility purchased prior to Jan. 30.
According to Terry Philibeck, director of Board of Animal Health Dairy Divison, the agency has not yet been able to identify when the staph contamination began. Cheese purchased prior to January may be contaminated.
Grassy Meadows products were sold directly to consumers from the dairy farm, located in LaGrange County, Ind., as well as more than a dozen retail health food stores in Northeastern/Fort Wayne Indiana region.
No illnesses
No consumer illness or complaints have been reported.
Consumers should return products to their place of purchase.
