The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 15 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes from 12 states and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, 15 persons have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported.  I have been retained by some on the victims and their families.

Here is Fattorie Chiarappa thoughts on the Listeria outbreak thanks to Google Translator:

Our goods are shipped to the United States was packaged by us in a healthy environment and in full compliance with HACCP standards, so, probably, the cheese may have been infected from handling during portioning or storage or further polluted by contact from other foods. It highlights our estrangement and ensures that our products are safe.

Here are the FDA’s, Forever Cheese’s, Peterson Company’s and Whole Food’s thoughts:

The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to imported Marte brand Frescolina Ricotta Salata cheese distributed by Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, New York.

The FDA has placed the maker of the recalled cheese, Fattorie Chiarappa S.R.L.of Conversano, Italy, on Import Alert. This means that Fattorie Chiarappa cheese will be denied admission into the United States unless the importer shows that the cheese is not contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, such as by using private laboratories to test the cheese.

Forever Cheese had initially initiated a voluntary recall of this cheese the lot number (T9425) and/ or a production code (441202). This cheese may also have been referred to as Ricotta Frescolina Marte Tipo Toscanella and/or Ricotta Salata Soft Lot (T9425)as it was being distributed. Subsequently, Forever Cheese expanded the original recall to include all lots and all production codes of Marte Brand Frescolina Ricotta Salata cheese.  Forever Cheese has also ceased importing cheeses from Fattorie Ciarappa S.R.L., and has recalled Marte brand Roasted Ricotta and Hard Ricotta Salata, as well.

Peterson Company is recalling Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese that came from its supplier Forever Cheese of Long Island City, NY. Forever Cheese recalled this cheese product due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.  The cheese was sold to distributors, retailers and restaurants in Washington and Oregon states between July 17 and September 10, 2012.  The cheese is Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand, cut into 7 ounce pieces, with manufacturer codes 7022, 7212, 7272 and 7432. There is a total of 390 pounds in distribution.

Whole Foods Market announces that it is recalling ricotta salata sold in 21 states and Washington, D.C. that came from its supplier Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, NY.  Forever Cheese recalled this cheese product because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recalled Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese was cut into wedges, packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label using PLU 293427.  All “sell by” dates through Oct. 2 are affected. Fourteen illnesses have been reported which may be associated with the Frescolina recall.

Looks like I might be spending some time in Italy.