State warns of listeria in local goat milk cheese

March 06--A consumer alert has been issued for a raw goat milk cheese made in South New Berlin after inspectors found a possible listeria contamination.

The Maiden's Creamery "Wild Meadow" raw goat milk cheese was reportedly sold at the Cooperstown Farmers' Market in late December and at the Sunflower Natural Foods Market in Woodstock starting on Jan. 10.

According to a statement released by New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball on Monday, no illnesses have been reported.

An inspection by the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services discovered the contamination of listeria monocytogenes after a routine sample of the cheese was tested. The manufacturer, Mark Harvey of South New Berlin, was informed of the preliminary positive test results and recalled the product. On March 2 the contamination results were confirmed after further testing. The cheese will be destroyed by the manufacturer.

The Department of Agriculture and Markets states that listeria-contaminated products may cause listeriosis, a disease that causes mild flu-like symptoms. The disease can result in meningitis or blood poisoning for those with compromised immune systems. Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group as listeriosis can cause still-births.

Consumers with questions about the recalled product can contact Mark Harvey at (607) 859-2227.

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