The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has escalated a recall of Made Fresh Salads brand cream cheese to its most urgent Class I level, warning that consumption could cause serious illness or death. The action, upgraded on March 11, follows the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes contamination during routine sampling. The affected products, distributed in New York City and surrounding boroughs, were sold in 5-pound tubs with various flavors. No illnesses have been reported to date.
Key Takeaways:
- The FDA’s Class I recall is its most serious, indicating a high probability of severe health consequences or death.
- Contamination was traced to a contaminated mixer in the production facility, which has since been taken out of service.
- The recall affects over a dozen cream cheese flavors with expiration dates through February 27.
- High-risk groups include pregnant women, older adults, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Consumers are urged to return products for a full refund and not consume them.
Listeria Poses Severe Risk to Vulnerable Populations
The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an infection with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. For healthy individuals, symptoms may be mild, but the infection can be dangerous for vulnerable groups. In pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. For others with weakened immune systems, it can cause severe complications such as meningitis, sepsis, and convulsions. Symptoms can appear up to several weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Recalled Products Distributed in New York Metro Area
The recalled cream cheese products were sold in 5-pound white plastic tubs under the Made Fresh Salads label. They were available at distributors and retail stores in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and New York City. Flavors subject to the recall include Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Strawberry, Scallion, Jalapeño, Garlic & Herb, Sundried Tomato, Vegetable, Walnut Raisin, Caramel, Lox, Whipped Cream Cheese, and Tofu Whipped. Customers who purchased these items should dispose of them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Sources
https://www.unilad.com/news/us-news/fda-product-recall-health-risk-639417-20260315
https://www.delish.com/food-news/a70724285/made-fresh-salads-cream-cheese-recall/
https://www.thehealthy.com/news/cream-cheese-recall-assigned-highest-risk-level-march-2026/
