Trader Joe’s popular Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds have been pulled from shelves after a potentially deadly contamination was discovered through routine testing, prompting immediate concerns for vulnerable consumers.
Key Takeaways
- Face Rock Creamery has recalled two lots of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds due to potential Listeria contamination
- Affected products were sold at Trader Joe’s in Northern California and Northern Nevada with a use-by date of August 8, 2025
- No illnesses have been reported yet, but Listeria symptoms can take up to 70 days to appear
- Pregnant women, elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals face the highest risk from Listeria infection
- Customers should return affected products for a full refund or dispose of them safely
Urgent Food Safety Alert Impacts Popular Trader Joe’s Item
Oregon-based Face Rock Creamery has issued a voluntary recall of its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds after routine product sampling detected potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected cheese curds, sold exclusively at Trader Joe’s locations throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada, include products in 6-ounce cups with a specific use-by date of August 8, 2025. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products, the company is taking immediate precautionary measures to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with Listeria.
“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,” said Face Rock Creamery.
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
How to Identify Affected Products
Customers who have recently purchased Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds should check their packaging immediately for specific identifying features. The recalled products can be identified by UPC code 8 51222 00528 7, lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02, and use-by date 08292025. The affected stores include Trader Joe’s locations across Northern California in areas such as Monterey and Fresno, as well as Nevada locations in Carson City, Reno, and Sparks. Consumers are strongly encouraged to either return these products to the store for a full refund or dispose of them safely.
“A single lot code of Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds is being recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,” stated Trader Joe’s.
Understanding the Health Risks of Listeria
Listeria infections present a serious health threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In some cases, individuals may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. What makes Listeria particularly concerning is its long incubation period – symptoms can take up to 70 days to appear after exposure, making it difficult to identify the source of infection without proper testing and tracing.
The highest risk groups include pregnant women, newborns, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. For pregnant women, a Listeria infection may initially appear as a mild illness but can lead to devastating consequences including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. This threat to our most vulnerable citizens underscores the importance of such recalls, despite the inconvenience they may cause to retailers and consumers.
“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,” said Face Rock Creamery.
Company Response and Ongoing Investigation
Face Rock Creamery has taken swift action following the detection of potential contamination. The company has properly notified both the FDA and the Oregon Department of Agriculture about the situation and is currently conducting a thorough investigation to identify the source of the contamination. This Oregon-based creamery, which has been in operation since 2013, distributes its products through various retailers including Stop and Shop, Kroger, and Albertsons, though this specific recall appears limited to Trader Joe’s locations in the identified regions.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the trust our customers place in us,” said Face Rock Creamery.
The voluntary nature of this recall demonstrates responsible corporate behavior in prioritizing consumer safety over potential short-term financial impacts. While the investigation continues, consumers who have purchased the affected cheese curds should remain vigilant about potential symptoms, especially those in high-risk categories. Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with Listeria infection after consuming these products should seek immediate medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the potential exposure to ensure proper treatment.
