Morningland Dairy Farms Inc. Recalls Chives Colby Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

Morningland Dairy Farms Inc.

Media Contacts:		Morningland Dairy Farms Inc.
			6248 C.R. 2980
			Mountain View, MO  65548
			417-469-3817

MOUNTAIN VIEW, MO, May 25, 1999 - Morningland Dairy Farms Inc. is recalling raw milk Chives Colby Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women.

One hundred thirty-five pounds of Chives Colby Cheese was distributed in Missouri, Colorado, Utah, Illinois, Arizona, Tennessee, New York, California, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, through mail order sales and through retail stores.

The cheese is packaged in a plastic vacuum packed bag ranging in sizes between .50 pounds to 5 pounds and is labeled as Morningland Dairy Chives Colby. The recalled code is A259 and is hand written in ink on the label.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine product sampling by the FDA and the Missouri Milk Board which revealed the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product, while FDA, Missouri Milk Board and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased the Chives Colby, Code A259, are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 417-469-3817.