Recalls

Cheese curds recalled from Trader Joe’s after sample tests show listeria

Two lots of cheese curds have been recalled from Trader Joe’s stores after random sample testing turned up listeria in some finished product.

Manufacturer Face Rock Creamery’s recall notice said the Oregon company did the testing itself on its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds. Listeria infects about 1,600 people in the United States each year, barely 1/100th of salmonella, but listeria kills about 260, according to the CDC.

This covers 6-ounce plastic cups with lot Nos. 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02, and a Use By date of “08292025.”

Face Rock Creamery Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds are being recalled from Trader Joe’s stores in California and Nevada.
Face Rock Creamery Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds are being recalled from Trader Joe’s stores in California and Nevada. FDA

Now, the relatively good news: The curds went only to Trader Joe’s in Northern California, including Fresno, and Nevada cities Reno, Carson City and Sparks. If you have recalled curds, return them to the store for a refund or at least throw them deep into the garbage, then wash and sanitize any surface or utensil that touched them.

For questions, contact the company’s Customer Care team through email at info@facerockcreamery.com. The best time is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern.

This story was originally published June 24, 2025 at 1:44 PM with the headline "Cheese curds recalled from Trader Joe’s after sample tests show listeria."

David J. Neal
Miami Herald
Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.
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