Kamil Perry
Kroger previously stocked Maytag Dairy Farms' Maytag Blue cheese, but in 2016, it was recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria. The recall involved one-, four-, and eight-ounce wedges; two- and four-pound wheels; and eight-ounce and five-pound crumbles. While it is unclear whether Kroger still carries Maytag Blue Cheese, the product has been described as one of the best blue cheeses available, with a strong flavour and a crumbly texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kroger's recall of Maytag Blue Cheese | The recall was due to potential contamination with Listeria, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable individuals. |
| Date of Recall | March 3, 2016 |
| Products Recalled | One-, four-, and eight-ounce wedges; two- and four-pound wheels; and eight-ounce and five-pound crumbles. |
| Customer Support | Customers could contact Maytag Dairy Farms for refunds and returns. |
| Similar Cheese Options | PT Reyes Original, Rogue River Blue, Bay Blue, Bayley Hazen from Jasper Hill, Great Hill Blue Cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Maytag Dairy Farms' Maytag Blue cheese recalled due to potential contamination
Maytag Dairy Farms' Maytag Blue Cheese was voluntarily recalled from 17 Schnuck Markets locations in 2016 due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered after testing by the State of Iowa at Maytag Dairy Farms, Inc. in Newton, Iowa, revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Maytag Dairy Farms is an artisanal cheese company that offers a variety of cheese products, including cheddar, curds, and spreads, as well as non-cheese items such as honey, charcuterie meats, and jams.
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacterium that can cause a serious and sometimes fatal infection called listeriosis. The symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea. In certain high-risk individuals, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, listeriosis can be particularly dangerous and even life-threatening.
Upon learning of the potential contamination, Maytag Dairy Farms and retailers that carried the product, such as Schnuck Markets and Whole Foods, took swift and responsible action by voluntarily recalling the affected batches of Maytag Blue Cheese. This proactive measure ensured the safety of consumers and demonstrated the companies' commitment to upholding the highest standards of food safety and quality.
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Kroger's response to the Maytag Blue cheese recall
Kroger has issued a recall of several cheese dips due to potential Salmonella contamination. The dips, sold in plastic containers between May 15 and August 6, 2020, were made in-store and may have included red onions from the affected bulk onions sourced from Thomson International, Inc. Upon learning of the potential contamination, Kroger immediately removed the affected products from its shelves and initiated its customer recall notification system. Customers who purchased the recalled dips are advised not to consume them and can receive a full refund or replacement by returning the product to a store. Kroger also directs any additional questions to their customer support line.
This recall is a precautionary measure taken by Kroger to ensure the safety of its customers. Salmonella is a serious organism that can cause fatal infections in vulnerable individuals, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and lead to severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Kroger's swift response to this potential health risk demonstrates its commitment to food safety and customer well-being. By removing the affected products and notifying customers through multiple channels, Kroger is taking proactive steps to prevent any potential health hazards. This incident also highlights the importance of supply chain transparency and collaboration between suppliers, retailers, and regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of the food we consume.
While the focus of this recall is on cheese dips, it is worth noting that Kroger has previously recalled other dairy products for potential health risks. In 2016, Kroger's Houston Division, along with other divisions and associated stores, recalled cheese dips due to possible Salmonella contamination. This swift and comprehensive response is indicative of Kroger's commitment to prioritizing customer safety and taking proactive measures to prevent potential health risks.
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Other blue cheese options available at Kroger
Kroger carries a variety of blue cheese options, including the Private Selection™ Crumbled Blue Cheese. This product is available in a 4-ounce package and is perfect for adding a tangy and creamy element to salads, pasta dishes, or even as a topping for grilled meats. The crumbled blue cheese is made with pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, and Penicillium Roqueforti, giving it its distinctive flavour and aroma. It also contains natamycin, a natural mould inhibitor, to ensure its freshness and prolong its shelf life.
In addition to the Private Selection brand, Kroger may also offer other blue cheese options from regional or local brands, depending on the location of the store. These options may include different styles of blue cheese, such as creamy Danish blue or pungent Italian blue cheese, allowing customers to explore diverse flavours and textures.
When shopping for blue cheese at Kroger, it is worth exploring the specialty cheese section, where a variety of artisanal and imported cheeses may be available. This section often features limited-edition or seasonal offerings, providing an opportunity to discover unique blue cheeses from small-batch producers.
For those who enjoy the convenience of online shopping, Kroger's website offers a seamless way to browse and purchase blue cheese from the comfort of home. The website provides detailed information about the available products, including ingredients, allergens, and nutritional facts, making it easier for customers to make informed choices.
Whether shopping in-store or online, Kroger provides a diverse range of blue cheese options to suit different tastes and culinary needs. From classic crumbled blue cheese to potential discoveries in the specialty cheese section, Kroger offers a one-stop solution for cheese enthusiasts and home cooks alike.
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Blue cheese meal ideas
Blue cheese is a pungent and divisive ingredient that can add a lot of flavour to a dish. If you're looking for ways to use up a large quantity of blue cheese, there are plenty of meal ideas to consider.
One option is to incorporate blue cheese into a salad. It can be used in a chicken salad, such as chef Jonathan Waxman's recipe dressed with yogurt and Gorgonzola cheese, or a mesclun salad with figs, apples, grapes, apple cider vinegar, and whole-grain mustard. Blue cheese also pairs well with beets, scallions, herbs, and red wine, as seen in chef Nicolaus Balla's salad. For a summer option, grilled squash with a bright, lemony dressing is a good choice. If you're looking for a warm and comforting option, consider a broccoli gratin with a creamy blue cheese dressing and a crunchy, butter-toasted Rice Krispies topping.
Blue cheese can also be a delicious addition to sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas. It can help balance the heat in spicy turkey burgers, and it pairs well with beef, as seen in Suzanne Tracht's summer recipe featuring heirloom tomatoes and Gorgonzola. For a vegetarian option, blue cheese can be used in a simple focaccia with sweet caramelized onions and pears, or a rosemary flatbread.
If you're a meat-eater, blue cheese can enhance the flavour of steak. It can be melted on top, made into a sauce, or used as a crust. Additionally, blue cheese pairs well with meatballs, whether served as an appetizer with a side of blue cheese polenta or as a meal with lettuce, onion, and tomato.
For those who enjoy cooking with alcohol, blue cheese can be used in a French onion soup with oloroso sherry, bringing new layers of flavour and depth. If you're looking for a more unique option, consider using blue cheese as a secret ingredient in chilli, adding a good chunk and stirring until melted.
Lastly, blue cheese can be a tasty addition to side dishes like polenta. A creamy polenta with a three-cheese fonduta, including whole-milk ricotta, crumbly Gorgonzola, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a luxuriously rich option.
Whether you're a blue cheese lover or a sceptic, these meal ideas offer a range of creative ways to incorporate this pungent cheese into your cooking.
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Blue cheese storage and maintenance
Blue cheese is a delicate product that requires careful storage and maintenance. Due to its active moulds and relatively high moisture levels, it won't last as long as other types of cheese. Therefore, it is best to buy only what you need and plan to use it relatively quickly.
When purchasing blue cheese, avoid wedges with excess moisture in the packaging, as this indicates that the cheese is past its prime. The mould will die and turn yellow-green if deprived of oxygen, so it is important to ensure that the cheese can breathe. Experts recommend using wrappers such as aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a loose zipper-lock bag. Another option is to wrap the cheese first with parchment paper and then loosely with aluminium foil, mimicking the construction of cheese paper.
It is important to note that blue cheese should not be wrapped too tightly, as this can trap moisture and promote the growth of unwanted bacteria, which can make the cheese inedible. Blue cheese should be stored in a climate with high humidity, ideally at least 80%, to maintain its freshness. One option for achieving this is to use a Cheese Grotto, which self-regulates humidity and has a breathable back panel to ensure a constant supply of fresh air.
Additionally, blue cheese should be stored separately from other types of cheese to prevent cross-contamination of mould spores. When storing multiple types of cheese, ensure that they are all wrapped appropriately and stored with some space between them. It is also important to clean any shelves or containers used to store blue cheese with hot water and distilled white vinegar to prevent mould growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kroger does carry Maytag Blue Cheese. However, in 2016, it was pulled from shelves due to potential contamination.
Maytag Blue Cheese is a type of blue cheese produced by Maytag Dairy Farms. It is considered one of the best blue cheeses available, known for its strong and unique flavour.
In March 2016, Kroger removed Maytag Blue Cheese from its shelves due to potential contamination with Listeria. The recall included various package sizes, including wedges, wheels, and crumbles.
Maytag Blue Cheese can be found at select retailers and cheese shops. It is recommended to check specialty food stores or shops that carry a wide variety of cheeses. Additionally, some online retailers may offer this product.
