Cream Cheese Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns

Several major retailers have recalled a variety of store-brand cream cheese spreads distributed nationwide over concerns that they may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause fatal infections, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

The recall was prompted by Schreiber Foods of Wisconsin after one of its suppliers reported that an ingredient used in several cream cheeses may contain the harmful pathogen. No illnesses had been reported.

The recalled cream cheese

The cream cheese spreads below were recalled by the following stores and their respective brands.

Aldi

• Happy Farms whipped cream cheese spread, 8 ounces, with UPC code 4099100101881 and these sell-by dates: 08/30/2024, 08/31/2024, 09/01/2024, 09/03/2024 and 09/04/2024.
• Happy Farms chive & onion cream cheese spread, 8 ounces, with UPC code 4099100101751 and these sell-by dates: 09/13/2024 and 09/22/2024.
• Happy Farms cream cheese spread, 8 ounces, with UPC code 4099100101737 and these sell-by dates: 09/01/2024, 09/08/2024 and 09/15/2024.
• Happy Farms strawberry cream cheese spread, 8 ounces, with UPC code 4099100101744 and these sell-by dates: 09/08/2024 and 09/15/2024.

Hy-Vee

• Hy-Vee whipped cream cheese spread, 8 ounces, with UPC code 0075450096132 and these best-by dates: 8/7/2024 and 8/14/2024.
• Hy-Vee cream cheese spread, 12 ounces, with UPC code 0075450096120 and a best-by date of 10/1/2024.

Schnucks

• Schnucks whip cream spread with UPC code 4131858005 and a best-by date of 8/8/2024.
• Schnucks strawberry spread with UPC code 4131858007 and a best-by date of 9/8/2024.
• Schnucks cream cheese spread with UPC code 4131858023 and a best-by date of 10/8/2024.

Hornbacher’s

• Essential Everyday garden vegetable cream cheese with UPC code 41303006252 and a best-buy date of 09/01/24.

Consumers are advised to throw away all of the recalled products or return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

Symptoms of a salmonella infection

Salmonella is a bacteria that causes illnesses in 1.35 million people every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems may have more serious illnesses that require medical treatment. Common symptoms of a salmonella infection, known as salmonellosis, include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach pains

In severe cases, an infection could result in a high fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and dehydration. An infection could be fatal. Most people infected will exhibit symptoms six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. Typically, people recover in four to seven days without the need for treatment.