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A Favorite Grocery Store Just Recalled Cheese in 2 States

A Favorite Grocery Store Just Recalled Cheese in 2 States

A Favorite Grocery Store Just Recalled Cheese in 2 States

O, Canada. Data last year from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed Americans eat a whopping average of 42.3 pounds of cheese per year. Apart from adored forms of sliced, shredded, crumbled, or cubed, Canadian-inspired cheese curds bites belong on a charcuterie board or in a packed lunch (I’m from Wisconsin, trust me). And, if you listen carefully, you might even hear a squeak when you bite in!

If you have an affinity for dairy or our neighbors to the north, heads up: on Friday, June 20, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds, sold in 6-ounce cups at Trader Joe’s locations in two states, according to a company notice: California Trader Joe’s locations include Monterey, Fresno, and “all locations North,” while the Nevada locations include Carson City, Reno, and Sparks. Though the FDA says “two specific lots” were recalled, it’s not clear as of press time how many total products are affected.

Bouillante/Getty Images

In recent weeks, the threat of Listeria monocytogenes—a type of bacteria that can cause infections—has been linked to recalls of pasta and seafood…and it appears to be the cause of this recall, too. The cheese curds’ manufacturer, Face Rock Creamery of Bandon, Oregon, voluntarily recalled the Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds after routine testing “revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria,” per the FDA’s report.

The FDA says no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cheese curds.

The product details provided by the FDA and Trader Joe’s include:

  • Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds, 6 ounces (oz.)
  • Packaged “in a clear in a sealed plastic cup with lid”
  • UPC: 8 51222 00528 7
  • Lot numbers: 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02
  • Use By date/Lot code: 08292025

Both the FDA and Trader Joe’s announcements provided product photos for reference.

After the initial contamination issue was discovered, Face Rock Creamery alerted both the FDA and the Oregon Department of Agriculture and “continue their investigation as to what caused the problem,” further stating the company is “committed to ensuring the safety or quality of our products and is working closely with our distribution partners and regulatory agencies to resolve the matter swiftly and thoroughly.”

Trader Joe’s is encouraging consumers to either throw out the recalled product or return it to a local Trader Joe’s store for a refund.

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