Nationwide Recalls on Cheese, Arugula and More to Be Aware of Right Now

Cheese

There are two recalls on cheese affecting the U.S. and Canada right now. Most currently, multiple brands of cheese were recalled in Canada due to a Staphylococcus aureus outbreak, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This announcement includes products from brands Rumba, Sabana and Sombrero such as:

• Rumba Queso Campesino Country Cheese (lot number CA140524; best by date July 16, 2024)
• Rumba Asadero Mexican Style Cheese (lot number CA140524; UPC 8 91911 00125 1; best by date July 16, 2024)
• Rumba Queso Fresco Fresco Cheese (lot number QF140524; best by date July 14, 2024)
• Rumba Campesino (lot number CA140524; best by date July 16, 2024)
• Rumba Asadero (lot number CA140524; best by date July 16, 2024)
• Sabana Queso Fresco Grilling Cheese (lot number CAE140524; UPC 627 843 776 413; best by date August 14, 2024)
• Sombrero Asadero Grilling Cheese (lot number CA140524; UPC 628204378260; best by date July 16, 2024)

While there are no illnesses connected to this microbial contamination, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can cause staph infections, which can lead to serious symptoms like sepsis and pneumonia. If you are experiencing signs of infection like pimples, boils and other skin conditions after consuming or handling one of the recalled products, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.

Plus, there’s a recall on cheese sold at Costco in multiple states, according to a company notice. The Tillamook branded cheese products affected are 32-ounce twin-packs of Tillamook Colby Jack and Tillamook Monterey Jack cheese slices with a best by date of October 22, 2024. This recall was announced due to a possible foreign matter contamination, specifically gray and black plastic pieces in the monterey jack cheese. If you have any symptoms of illness or injury after consuming the recalled product, seek medical attention. Dispose of the product as soon as possible or return it to its place of purchase for a refund.

Green Life Farms Baby Arugula

Another recall you should be aware of is an active Salmonella contamination on baby arugula. The recalled Green Life Farms arugula was sold at select Publix locations from May 31, 2024 through June 7 and has a sell-by date of June 15.

There are no illnesses reported to be connected to this recall, and the product listed has passed its sell-by date. However, symptoms of Salmonella infection may not be present for up to 72 hours after exposure. Common symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and it can be more severe for those pregnant, age 65 or older, immunocompromised or for young children. 

Salmonella can easily spread to other foods and surfaces, so after disposing of any recalled products, be sure to follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended cleaning procedures.

Once Upon a Farm Baby Food

Once Upon a Farm just announced a recall on one of their baby food products due to a Listeria monocytogenes contamination. According to the official FDA notice, the baby food affected is the 3.5-ounce frozen containers of Once Upon a Farm Organic Plant-Rich Meal, Curried Carrots & Beans. The recalled meals display a “best if used by” date of 4/17/2025 and a UPC of 81000351838 printed on the packaging. They were sold in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

This product is marketed to babies and young children, and Listeria monocytogenes infection (listeriosis) can be severe for newborns and pregnant individuals. Common symptoms of listeriosis include fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming this product, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you have the above product with matching recall information, throw it away or return it to its retail location.

Baraka Ground Black Pepper

Another recent recall includes a pantry staple, specifically ground black pepper sold across the U.S. that may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. The Baraka branded pepper was sold in 7-ounce plastic shaker containers and has an expiration date of January 2026, so check your pantry ASAP while this recall is still top of mind. There are no illnesses connected to this recall, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of Salmonella infection after using this black pepper, seek medical attention when you can.

Sitara Brown Lentils

Canadian readers, listen up: Sitara branded brown lentils were recalled nationwide due to an undeclared wheat allergen in the product. Sold in 1.81-kg plastic packages, the recalled lentils have a printed UPC of 6 28915 56114 2. This recall was announced after a consumer ate this product and experienced an allergic reaction to wheat, which is not declared among the listed ingredients. The CFIA recommends disposing or returning this product immediately if you have a wheat allergy or celiac disease.

Those with a wheat allergy may experience symptoms like hives, nausea, stomach cramps, headaches and, in more severe cases, anaphylaxis if consuming these lentils. Anaphylaxis symptoms are sudden and can quickly progress, so if you’re experiencing dizziness, rapid heartbeat, tightness of the throat or you’re having trouble breathing, treat it as an emergency and call 911.