Ricotta Cheese Recalled Due To Contamination - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

WASHINGTON — Federal health officials say ricotta cheese tainted with listeria bacteria is linked to 14 illnesses including at least one death.

The imported Italian ricotta salata cheese distributed by Forever Cheese Inc. of New York is linked to illnesses in 11 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The cheese was distributed to retail stores and restaurants in California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington between June 20 and Aug. 9.

Most people who consumed the cheese would not know where it came from because it was distributed in large wheels for retailers or restaurants to break down into smaller servings or packages.

However, Whole Foods Market said Wednesday it was recalling ricotta salata sold in some of its stores in 21 states and the District of Columbia that came from Forever Cheese. Whole Foods said the cheese was sold using PLU 293427; all sell by dates through Oct. 2 are affected, the company said.