Trader Joe’s Cheese Snack Found in 2 States Recalled Due to Potential Listeria Contamination
NEED TO KNOW
- Trader Joe’s recalled Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds due to potential listeria contamination, affecting stores in Northern California and Northern Nevada.
- The recalled products carry UPC 8 51222 00528 7, lot numbers 20250519VS01 or 20250519VS02, with a use-by date of August 29, 2025
- Trader Joe’s emphasized its strict food safety standards and proactive recall process, following previous product recalls this year for canned tuna and cheese allergens
A popular cheese snack has been recalled from Trader Joe’s locations, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In a press release published on Saturday, June 21, the FDA announced that Face Rock Creamer is pulling their Face Rock Creamer product, Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds, off the shelves.
The recall was done voluntarily by the brand due to the potential listeria contamination. By its scientific name, Listeria monocytogenes, as described by the FDA, is an organism that can cause serious and even fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, those with compromised immune systems and pregnant individuals.
Face Rock Creamery Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds.
FDA
The foodborne illness is reported to result in high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. For pregnant individuals, listeria could cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
The contaminated product was sent to Trader Joe’s locations in Northern California – all locations north, and specifically Monterey and Fresno – and Northern Nevada, including Carson City, Reno and Sparks.
trader-joes-nyc-062325-0aab26d5eda641ae812f0456de2d7e74.jpg.
GHI-Plexi Images/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty
Customers will be able to check if their product is from the contaminated bunch by the UPC (8 51222 00528 7), lot numbers (20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02) and the use-by date, listed as August 29, 2025.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a Trader Joe’s representative confirmed the brand’s commitment to the health and safety of its customers and crew members.
“We do the daily work to make certain our products meet our stringent food safety expectations. We don’t take any chances when it comes to product safety and quality,” read the statement.
“We have a close relationship with our vendors. We err on the side of caution and are proactive in addressing issues. We voluntarily take action quickly, aggressively investigating potential problems and removing the product from sale if there is any doubt about its safety or quality.”
The statement continued, “We take these matters seriously—personally, even, as our families eat and drink TJ’s products, too.”
Among the many recalls that have been published this year, Trader Joe’s has had a few of their own. Back in February, one of its vendors, Tri-Union Seafoods, recalled several of its canned tuna products due to exposure to Clostridium botulinum, which could lead to fatal food poisoning. Then in the brand’s Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon was recalled due to an undeclared allergen.
