Green Cedar Ackawi Cheese is being recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This cheese was distributed at retail locations in East Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, Michigan. No reports of illness connected to this issue have been received to date.

The Green Cedar Ackawi cheese is sold in a small clear plastic shrink wrapped package with a “sell by” date of March 26, 2019 or later. The “sell by” date is printed on a white sticker that is placed on the back of the product. The issue was discovered on November 9, 2018 during a routine inspection by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Food & Dairy Division (MDARD) and the FDA.

If you bought this cheese, do not eat it, even if you plan to cook with it. Wrap the cheese in several layers of plastic wrap or foil so other people and animals can’t access it, and put it into a secure garbage can. You can take the cheese back to the store wher you purchased it for a refund.

You should then clean out your refrigerator with a solution of 1 gallon of warm water to 1 tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at temperatures below 40°F and freezing doesn’t kill the pathogen. Wipe down all packages in the fridge with this solution too, then rinse everything with clean water and dry. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling this product.

The symptoms of listeriosis can happen up to 70 days after exposure. They include stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, high fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness. If you do get sick, contact your doctor.