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FDA, US Marshals Seize Creamery's Cheese

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

The Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, Washington, had a booth at Seattle's University District farmers market this weekend, but cheese was not on display at the creamery's stand.  Instead, Anthony and Kelli Estrella were showing off current inspection records.

The World Cheese Award-winning dairy recalled a variety of cheeses after the creamery's products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes in February.  In September the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers that Estrella Family Creamery cheeses put consumers at risk for listeriosis, the illness caused by the ingestion of Listeria bacteria.  

On Oct. 22, Kelli Estrella notified the customers that a seizure order had been issued for all the creamery's cheeses.  The following statement was issued on the creamery Website:

"Last night at about 5:30 three cars pulled into the yard with FDA and Federal Marshals, alarming our kids. They posted a seizure order that named all cheeses on the property.  This is serious, it could put us out of business.

"I need to write something more lengthy than I have time for right now. But tomorrow we will be at the University District farmer's market, sadly without cheese. But we've invited the media and would love to have our customer's voices heard. Because we've been hearing you voice very strong opinions about wanting the right to choose your food. Please feel free to come and ask questions."

The FDA and U.S. Marshals have not yet posted information regarding the seizure.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on October 25, 2010 (boomark / email).