June 3, 2011

Walnut Cheese Company Cheese Being Recalled

 Possible antibiotic contamination 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – Walnut Cheese Company, doing business as Avanti Foods, located at 109 Depot Street, Walnut, IL, is voluntarily recalling mozzarella cheese products manufactured on Apr. 21, 2011 because the products may contain beta-lactam antibiotic residues. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) discovered the problem during a routine review of the cheese plant’s drug residue screening log, which indicated one load of raw milk was not tested as required.

Individuals who are allergic to antibiotics may have adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis, cardiac arrhythmias, endocrine abnormalities and cutaneous eruptions. To date, both IDPH and the plant have not received any reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products.

The voluntary recall involves Mozzarella cheese products manufactured with the following dates:

• Bulk String 6/5# case with pack date of 4/22/2011
• 8 ounce String cheese packages with a sell by date of 8/20/11
• Bulk Shredded Mozzarella 5/5# case with a pack date of 4/25/2011

The products were sold at various grocery stores, pizzerias, and convenience stores across Illinois. Consumers may return products to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact Walnut Cheese Company at 815-379-2155.