Trader Joe’s issues urgent recall of popular Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds as potential listeria contamination threatens shoppers in Northern California and Northern Nevada.
Key Takeaways
- Face Rock Creamery is recalling two lots of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds sold at Trader Joe’s due to potential listeria contamination detected during routine sampling.
- Affected products have UPC 8 51222 00528 7, lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02, and use-by date 08292025, distributed only in Northern California and Northern Nevada stores.
- No illnesses have been reported yet, but listeria can cause serious illness, with symptoms potentially appearing up to 70 days after consumption.
- Pregnant women, elderly individuals, young children, and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe complications.
- Customers should discard the affected cheese curds or return them to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund.
Contamination Discovery Prompts Immediate Action
Face Rock Creamery has voluntarily initiated a recall of their Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds after discovering potential listeria contamination during routine product testing. The affected cheese curds, packaged in 6-ounce cups with a use-by date of August 8, 2025, were distributed exclusively to Trader Joe’s locations throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada. Concerned customers should check their refrigerators for products with UPC 8 51222 00528 7 and lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02, which have been identified as potentially contaminated.
“Face Rock Creamery of Bandon, OR, is voluntarily recalling two specific lots of its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds, 6-ounce cups with the use by date of Aug. 8, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,” Face Rock Creamery.
The company has already notified both the FDA and the Oregon Department of Agriculture about the potential contamination. Face Rock Creamery, which has been operating since 2013 out of Bandon, Oregon, is now conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the source of the contamination. The creamery distributes its products through various national retailers including Stop and Shop, Kroger, and Albertsons, though this particular recall only affects products sold at specific Trader Joe’s locations.
Bandon, Oregon’s Face Rock Creamery is voluntarily recalling two lots of its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds because of a potential listeria contamination. https://t.co/0OZuk2ZVv3
— KOIN News (@KOINNews) June 22, 2025
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a potentially serious infection that poses significant risks to certain vulnerable populations. While healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, the infection can be life-threatening for specific groups. Pregnant women, though they may only experience mild, flu-like symptoms, face serious risks including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
“Face Rock Creamery is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our products and is working closely with our distribution partners and regulatory agencies to resolve the matter swiftly and thoroughly, ” according to Face Rock Creamery.
The elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems are also at heightened risk for severe and potentially fatal infections. What makes listeria particularly concerning is the extended incubation period – symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to up to 70 days after consuming contaminated food. This prolonged timeline often makes it difficult to identify the source of infection, highlighting the importance of preemptive recalls when potential contamination is detected.
Consumer Response and Store Locations
The recall affects Trader Joe’s stores in multiple Northern California cities including Monterey and Fresno, as well as Nevada locations in Carson City, Reno, and Sparks. Consumers who have purchased the affected cheese curds are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should either discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund, regardless of where it was originally purchased.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the trust our customers place in us,” according to Face Rock Creamery.
As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cheese curds. This recall represents a proactive measure to protect public health rather than a response to confirmed illnesses. The absence of reported cases is encouraging, but given the extended incubation period of listeria, continued vigilance is warranted. Customers with questions or concerns about the recall can contact Face Rock Creamery directly or speak with Trader Joe’s customer service representatives for additional information.
