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Panera Cream Cheese Recalled Amid Listeria Fears


— February 1, 2018

The popular bakery-cafe chain, Panera Bread, recently issued a recall for many of its cream cheese products over concerns of possible listeria contamination. Known for its delicious sandwiches and soups, Panera decided to voluntarily recall “2 oz. and 8 oz. cream cheese products after samples of one of its cream cheese products from a single production day showed a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.”


The popular bakery-cafe chain, Panera Bread, recently issued a recall for many of its cream cheese products over concerns of possible listeria contamination. Known for its delicious sandwiches and soups, Panera decided to voluntarily recall “2 oz. and 8 oz. cream cheese products after samples of one of its cream cheese products from a single production day showed a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.”

One of the ways consumers can tell if they have one of the recalled cream cheese products by checking the expiration date. At the moment, only 2 oz. and 8 oz. cream cheese products with “an expiration date on or before March 2, 2018” are affected by the recall. It’s also important to note that only U.S. Panera Breads are affected, not bakeries throughout Canada “or any other of their food products.

Image of the CDC Logo
CDC Logo; image courtesy of the Center for Disease Control via Wikimedia Commons

When commenting on the recall, Panera’s CEO and president, Blaine Hurst, said:

“The safety of our guests and associates is paramount, therefore we are recalling all cream cheese products sold in the U.S. with an active shelf life. We have likewise ceased all manufacturing in the associated cream cheese facility. Only one variety of 2-oz cream cheese from a single day yielded the positive result. Our intent is to go above and beyond for our guests. You should expect nothing less from Panera.”

But why is listeria so dangerous? Well, for those who don’t know, listeria is a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness in those affected. At particular risk are newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and others with weak immune systems. Once infected, most people experience fever and diarrhea, among other symptoms.

Sources:

That Panera Cream Cheese in Your Fridge Was Just Recalled Over Listeria Fears

Panera Bread Recalls Cream Cheese Across U.S. Over Listeria Fears

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