May 27, 1999

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director, today issued a consumer advisory for the following product:

PRODUCT: Morningland Dairy Chives Colby Cheese

SIZE: Packaged in bags of .50 pounds to 5 pounds

PRODUCT INFORMATION: Recall code A259

MANUFACTURER: Morningland Dairy Farms Inc., Mountain View, MO

RETAIL OUTLET: Nature's Market, Fairview Heights (St. Clair County)

The raw milk Chives Colby Cheese has been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Dr. Lumpkin warned consumers not to eat the cheese and to return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.

The product was distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, South Carolina and Illinois. In Illinois, a total of only 3.6 pounds was sold and just at Nature's Market in Fairview Heights.

The bacteria can cause flu-like sickness, but there is no long-term threat to healthy individuals. It may, however, be potentially harmful to pregnant women and their fetuses, newborns, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system, such as persons with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease or HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches and, sometimes, gastrointestional symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions can occur. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness. However, infection during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or stillbirth.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with eating the cheese.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments