Whole Foods Market announces that it is recalling ricotta salata sold in 21 states and Washington, D.C. – including four Georgia stores – because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

This ricotta salata came from Whole Foods' supplier Forever Cheese Inc. of Long Island City, NY. 

The recalled Ricotta Salata Frescolina brand cheese was cut into wedges, packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label using PLU 293427.  All “sell by” dates through Oct. 2 are affected. Fourteen illnesses have been reported which may be associated with the Frescolina recall.

Listeria monocytogenes is 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 headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Whole Foods Market stores in the following states are affected by this recall:

• Roswell, 1180 Upper Hembree Road (Harry's Farmers Market)
• Johns Creek, 5945 State Bridge Road
• Marietta, 1311 Johnson Ferry Rd NE Ste 580 (Merchants Walk)
• Atlanta, 650 Ponce de Leon Ave NE

Signs are posted in Whole Foods Market stores to notify customers of this recall. Customers who have purchased this product from Whole Foods Market may return it to the store for a full refund, and call with questions 512-542-0060 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.