Costco's Tillamook cheese recall and Schreiber Foods recall of their cream cheese have revealed the possibility of microplastic contamination in their popular cheese products.
The cheese contamination from the two manufacturers will affect numerous consumers from multiple states across the country from possible foreign plastic and salmonella contamination.
Costco's Tillamook Cheese Recall Due to Plastic Contamination
Costco has publicly announced that it has initiated the recall of specific cheese slices from the brand Tillamook after discovering potential contamination with plastic pieces.
The Tillamook cheese recall was prompted by concerns about gray and black plastic pieces that may be present in the products.
According to a letter addressed to customers, the recall involves a limited quantity of 32-ounce twin-pack packages of Tillamook Colby Jack and Tillamook Monterey Jack cheese slices, identified by item number 651195.
These products were sold between May 9 and May 31, 2024, at Costco stores in the Northwest region, which includes Idaho, Montana, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington
Mike Beaver, Executive Vice President of Tillamook County Creamery Association, emphasized that the likelihood of the plastic being present is minimal and assured that those who have already consumed the product without issue need not take any action.
However, as a precaution, consumers with weakened and compromised immune systems are advised to avoid consuming the products.
Furthermore, customers are also encouraged by the company to return their product to Costco for a full refund or dispose of it. The affected products have a "Best If Used By" date of October 22, 2024.
Schreiber Foods Recalls Cream Cheese Over Salmonella Concerns
Prior to Tillamook's cheese slices, Schreiber Foods Inc., based in Wisconsin, had expanded its recall of cream cheese products due to potential salmonella contamination.
The recall now includes 836,721 units of cream cheese, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Distributed by major retailers such as Aldi, Kroger, and Hy-Vee, the affected products span a wide range of states, including Puerto Rico, California, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Florida.
The recall affects various brands, including Dunkin, Dutch Farms, Essential Everyday Happy Farms, and Fareway.
Customers who have purchased these products are urged to either dispose of them immediately or return them to the store for a full refund.
Schreiber Foods has stressed the importance of consumer safety and is working diligently to remove the contaminated products from the market.
Customer Actions and Safety Measures
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Tillamook cheese from Costco are encouraged to contact the company for a refund or to safely discard the product.
For any health concerns, individuals should reach out to their healthcare provider. Customers can direct their questions to Tillamook by calling 855-562-35683 or emailing hello@tillamook.com.
Similarly, those who have bought the recalled cream cheese products from Schreiber Foods should not consume them.
Instead, they should return the items to their point of purchase for a refund or discard them. Schreiber Foods advises customers to remain vigilant and prioritize their health and safety by avoiding the affected products.
