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A POPULAR snack sold at Trader Joe’s has been recalled after it was found to be contaminated with a potentially deadly bacteria.
Customers were issued a warning on Friday with four groups of people at higher risk of severe reactions if they consume the contaminated product.
Face Rock Creamery, a company based in Oregon, supplies Trader Joe’s with it’s Vampire Slayer Cheddar Curds.
Two lots of their Garlic Cheddar Curds have been pulled from shelves over Listeria fears, the company announced.
Listeria is one of the most dangerous food-borne bacterial diseases with organisms that can withstand refrigeration and freezing.
Certain food groups are more likely to be linked to Listeria including soft cheeses, milk, deli foods, and prepared meats.
The following groups of people are at higher risk of a serious infection as a result of the bacteria which can be fatal in severe cases.
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Those with weakened immune systems
Individuals who do not fall into these categories can still become unwell but it is usually less serious.
Consumers must keep an eye out for Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds with the use by date of 08/29/2025.
Affected products are in a clear plastic cup with the UPC 1222 00528 7.
The lot numbers part of the recall are: 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02.
They were distributed to Trader Joe’s locations in Northern California and Northern Nevada.
“It has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the company said in its recall announcement.
“Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”
Anyone who discovers that they have bought the affected product should not consume it.
Symptoms of Listeriosis (Listeria)
Symptoms usually begin within two weeks of eating contaminated food but could begin within hours or take up to 10 weeks.
Mild Symptoms:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Severe Symptoms:
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
They can return the item to the place of purchase for a full refund.
So far no illnesses linked to the cheddar curds have been reported.
The contamination was identified during a routine sampling check at the production facility.
The company is working with the FDA and Oregon Department of Agriculture to resolve the issue.
Concerned shoppers can contact the Face Rock Creamery via the following email: info@facerockcreamery.com.
Last month the FDA issued an urgent recall across 4 states due to a Listeria outbreak linked to Fresh & Ready Foods that hospitalized at least 10 people.
Full Trader Joe’s recall announcement
To Our Valued Customers:
A single lot code of Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds is being recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Lot Code: Use BY 082925
- Sold Only in: Northern California and Northern Nevada
If you have Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds with the August 29, 2025 USE BY code purchased in Northern California* or Northern Nevada**, please discard or return it to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s store for a full refund.
Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817, or send us an email.
*Northern California includes TJ’s in Monterey, Fresno, and all locations North.
**Northern Nevada includes Carson City, Reno, and Sparks.
