Consumer Alert: Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Rambler Raw Milk Cheese

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball today warned consumers not to consume Rambler raw milk cheese made by Tonjes Farm Dairy located at 188 Tonjes Road, Callicoon, NY 12723 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 various sizes in vacuum packed bags with the name Rambler and a code of 050520. The consumer alert affects all packages with this code; however, any package with an unknown code date purchased after December 31, 2020 should not be consumed.

This product was sold at Peck’s Market in Callicoon, Eldred, Livingston Manor and Jeffersonville, Pete’s Market in Narrowsburg, Callicoon Farmer’s Market and Union Square Market in NYC.

A routine sample of the cheese, taken by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on January 5, 2021, was subsequently tested by the New York State Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On January 7, 2021 the manufacturer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Test results were confirmed as positive for Listeria monocytogenes on January 12, 2021. The 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 Tim Tonjes at (845) 482-5971.