Family & Consumer Sciences
Family & Consumer Science Staff
Christa Anderson Campbell
Family and Consumer Sciences
County Extension Agent
christaa@uga.edu
Recalled Cheese
An active outbreak involving Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to cheeses, crema, and yogurt.
What we know so far:
• 11 states involved (Georgia: one illness at this time)
• 26 illnesses
• 23 hospitalizations
• 2 deaths
• Foods involved: cheeses, crema, and yogurt (investigation is active)
Action:
1. Check your home for recalled products.
2. Do not eat recalled queso fresco and cotija cheese.
3. Throw it away or return them.
4. Clean the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled products (Listeria survives refrigeration temperatures).
5. Call a healthcare provider right away if you have a fever, muscle aches, and tiredness after eating recalled products.
Products were sold nationwide under these brands and at deli counters:
( more information at the following link: Click Here
CDC: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese
Do not eat recalled cheeses, crema, and yogurt.
• Campesino • Casa Cardenas
• Don Francisco • Dos Ranchitos
• El Huache • Food City
• La Ordena • Rio Grande
• Rizo Bros • San Carlos
• Santa Maria • Tio Francisco
• 365 Whole Foods Market
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About Listeria monocytogenes:
The pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, is unique due to its ability to grow in refrigeration temperatures (39 F), and its reputation as a “niche” pathogen; meaning it can find a nice home in crevices found in a food production facility and equipment (e.g., slicers, surfaces, floors).
L. monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. 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. In this specific outbreak, two newborns are in the case count because Listeria can be passed to newborns during pregnancy.
The CDC alerts 'The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.' For more information about this outbreak, please visit the CDC Website.
On This Page:
We are currently located in a secure school building. If you are planning to visit Christa Campbel Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, or coming to a meeting or training please bring a Driver’s License or picture ID. You will need to show your driver’s license and check in with school personnel before entering.
Child Care Online Learning
UGA has a new way to complete needed hours for Child Care Centers and workers! We are quite pleased to announce that courses are now available online. This new service will allow care givers to complete courses at a convenient time for the individual. We truly believe that this will be a beneficial resource for all care givers in our community. The website is very easy to use, go to bit.ly/HealthyEnvtsChildCareGA . Create an account and get started.
The new online program for classes will be a great way to earn your needed hours. If you have any questions please contact Trisha Willis or Christa Campbell at the Elbert County Extension office at 706-283-2037. We would be glad to help.
ServSafe Manager Training
The next ServSafe™ Manager Training is scheduled for February 22-23, 2024. You must pre-register for the class. The cost of the class is $150. The cost to re-test is $70 as long as you have access to a current copy of the Revised 7th Edition ServSafe Manager book with the 2022 FDA Food Code Updates. The class will be held at the Elbert County Extension Office (Paul J Blackwell Learning Center) 373 Campbell Street Elberton, GA 30635. For more information, contact Christa Campbell at (706) 283-2037 or download the registration form from our website at https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/elbert.html
Listeria Monocytogenes
Found in soil, vegetation, water, animals
Can grow at refrigeration temperatures (39 °F)
Commonly linked to contaminated deli meats, cheese and raw milk
People at High Risk
-People who are pregnant:
-People who are 65 years and older
-People who have a weakened immune system
Common Symptoms
-Pregnant: fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and life-threatening infection of the newborn
-Not pregnant: headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever and muscle aches.
Radon Education
Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that can cause lung cancer. It occurs naturally and is released into the soil, easily entering buildings through the foundation. The only way to know if you have radon is to test.
Food Talk
Make healthy food and lifestyle choices on a budget. This series of eight, interactive lessons includes activities and recipe demonstrations.
Childcare Provider Trainings
UGA Extension provides entity-approved training to help child care providers meet state licensing requirements. Check the calendar for training events near you.
Your Good Credit Series
Establishing, maintaining, and protecting Your Good Credit can save you thousands of dollars over time. This series will teach you the basics of credit reports and scores.
Building Baby's Brain Series
What happens during a child's first few years makes a big difference in the child's later life. This series helps parents learn strategies to improve early brain development.
