This news item expired on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Health officials from Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) are reporting a recall of Chapel Hill Creamery cheeses due to a potential association with an outbreak of Salmonella infections. State and Local Health officials have identified recent cases of Salmonella infection in persons who consumed Chapel Hill Creamery products and a matching strain of Salmonella in the milk from the creamery that was used during preparation of the cheese products.
Chapel Hill Creamery has requested wholesale customers to remove any Chapel Hill Creamery cheese from their shelves and dispose of it. Consumers who have this product in their home should not consume it and should dispose of it. Customers are reminded to thoroughly wash their hands and any utensils or equipment that may have contacted the cheese in warm, soapy water.
Symptoms of Salmonella can include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Those who have consumed Chapel Hill Creamery cheese and are experiencing these symptoms, should call the BCHHS Communicable Disease team at (828) 250-5109.
BCHHS Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, advises, “Most people sick with Salmonella infections get better within a week and do not need treatment other than drinking plenty of fluids. However, severe diarrhea can result in dehydration requiring intravenous fluids. If someone with severe vomiting or diarrhea develops symptoms of dehydration such as urinating less than usual, dry mouth, or rapid heartbeat, they should seek medical attention.”
Retailers in Buncombe County can contact Buncombe County Environmental Health at (828) 250-5016 with questions about commercial sales of the products.
North Carolina state and local health officials are working together to track, investigate, and report possible related illnesses. The outbreak has been connected to cases in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is aware of the outbreak and has been assisting the other affected states.