CONSUMER ALERT: Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in High Point Dairy Monterey Jack Raw Milk Cheese

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball today warned consumers not to consume High Point Dairy Monterey Jack raw milk cheese made by High Point Dairy located at 605 Fiery Hill Rd, Fort Plain NY 13339 due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. To date, no illnesses have been reported to the Department associated with this product.

The product is packaged in ½ pound, two-pound, and five-pound sizes in vacuum-sealed clear plastic with the names High Point Dairy Monterey Jack aged 60 days with make date of 3-6-2020. The consumer alert affects all packages with this code; however, any package with an unknown code date purchased after May 12, 2020 should not be consumed.

This product was sold at Manor Farm, 5356 St Rt 167, Little Falls, NY 13365; Winfield Acres, 1325 State Route 170, Little Falls, NY 13365; Brian Boll’s Roadside Stand at 5321 State Route 7 Hoosick Falls, NY 12090; as well as distributed directly to consumers in the Fort Plain/ East Springfield area by distributor Jesse Ehst.

A routine sample of the cheese, taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on May 13, 2020, was subsequently tested by the New York State Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On May 15, 2020, the manufacturer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Test results were confirmed as positive for Listeria monocytogenes on May 20, 2020. The remaining cheese will be destroyed by the manufacturer.

Listeria-contaminated product may cause Listeriosis, a disease that usually causes mild flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals; however, in immune-compromised individuals, meningitis and blood poisoning can occur. Pregnant women are also considered a high-risk group, as Listeriosis can also result in stillbirths.

Consumers with questions about the recalled product can contact Eli Ray King from High Point Dairy at (717) 951-9101.