Colorado officials discover positive test for E. coli 0157:H7 in Mauri Gorgonzola cheese

FDANov 11 2010

• Mauri Gorgonzola cheese with sell-by dates of 01/31/11 and 01/14/11 is being recalled because of a positive test for E. coli 0157:H7. DPI Specialty Foods of Tualatin, Ore., cut, packaged and distributed the cheese to Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) stores in Colorado.
• Consumers who have any of this cheese should not eat it. They should return the cheese to the place of purchase or dispose of it in a closed plastic bag and place in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals, including wild animals, from eating it.

• Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea and abdominal cramps, but some illnesses may last longer and can be more severe. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a severe infection. Rarely, as symptoms of diarrhea improve, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur; this can happen at any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and in older adults. People with HUS should be hospitalized immediately, as their kidneys may stop working and they may be at risk for other serious health problems.
• The bacterial strain from this cheese is different from the strain linked to those illnesses reported in the recent E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak in Southwestern states. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any illnesses are associated with eating this recalled cheese.
• The FDA is investigating how this cheese became contaminated.

 What is the Problem?The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention join DPI Specialty Foods in warning consumers not to eat Mauri Gorgonzola cheese with sell-by dates of 01/31/11 and 01/14/11. A sample of this cheese tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 in a Colorado state laboratory. Colorado officials discovered the positive sample during the investigation into the recent E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak in Southwestern states.

 What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury? Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea and abdominal cramps, but some illnesses may last longer and can be more severe. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a severe infection. Rarely, as symptoms of diarrhea improve, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur; this can happen at any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and in older adults. People with HUS should be hospitalized immediately, as their kidneys may stop working and they may be at risk for other serious health problems.

 What Do Consumers Need To Do? Do not eat Mauri Gorgonzola with sell-by dates of 01/31/11 and 01/14/11. Consumers should return this product to the place of purchase or dispose of it in a closed plastic bag and place in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals, including wild animals, from eating them. Anyone who experienced signs or symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection should contact his or her healthcare provider immediately. Healthcare providers should report any suspected infection to state or local public health authorities right away. Where is it Distributed?DPI Specialty Foods distributed the Mauri Gorgonzola in Costco locations in Colorado only. Costco is using card record information to contact its members who bought the cheese.    

What is Being Done to Protect Consumers?
The FDA, CDC and DPI are working together on the investigation and will update the public with more information as soon as it is available. As more information becomes available, the recommendations to consumers may change.  Consumers who have purchased Mauri Gorgonzola are urged to return it to Costco for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact DPI Specialty Foods at 1-800-597-3876.