Local food producers have recalls for product

Shredded cheese sold in 15 states, including Wisconsin, is being recalled due to listeria contamination concerns stemming from a California based processing facility.

While the Sheboygan County based company Sargento Cheese is not officialy affected by the recal at this time, they have made the decision to voluntarily recall all products provided by Rizo-Lopez Foods and products packaged on the same lines after the concern was issued last month.

Cheese varieties affected by the recall include cotija, parmesan, Swiss, asiago, Monterey Jack, white cheddar, cheddar, a nacho and taco blend, Italian cheese blend, taco cheese blend, and queso quesadilla cheese. Over 10,000 cases of shredded cheese have been pulled from shelves.

The recall has impacted states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Sargento says it has made the decision to stop working with the California company.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, Listeria is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. An estimated 1,600 people get listeria each year, and about 260 die. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.

Another Sheboygan County company has also issued a food recall. Johnsonville is recalling more than 35,000 pounds of turkey kielbasa sausage after customers found pieces of rubber in the food.

The recalled product has a “best by” date of May 17 and May 18 with establishment number “P-32009″ printed on the side of the packaging.

consumers with the product are told they should throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.