Mecox Sunrise cheese recalled due to listeria risk

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Mecox Bay Dairy in Bridgehampton is recalling its Mecox Sunrise cheese sold after March 1 because of the possibility of listeria contamination.

Listeria infection can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. However, infections in pregnant women can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and more, according to the CDC, and infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems can very serious and sometimes fatal.

The Mecox Sunrise cheese was sold at seven shops and served at one restaurant on eastern Long Island and also served at one restaurant in Chicago.

The dairy describes Mecox Sunrise as a washed-rind tomme-style cheese.

"It is pungent, memorable, and makes an adventurous addition to your cheese repertoire," reads the description on Mecox's website.

No one has reported getting sick from this cheese but routine testing by the New York State Agriculture and Markets Division of Milk Control turned up the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes in a sample.

All affected Mecox Sunrise has been removed from all stores and restaurants, according to an announcement on the FDA's website.

If you bought this cheese and still have it, you should return it to the retailer for a full refund. If you have any questions, you can call Mecox Bay Dairy at 631-537-0335.