Warning Issued for Cheese Sold at Michigan Farmers Markets

I absolutely love shopping at the Farmers Market because you can find some of the freshest, most tasty locally produced foods and ingredients. Plus, there's something super special about meeting the people who are growing and creating the things you're bringing into your home and sharing with your family.

But unfortunately, because these foods are made in small batches and less regulated, something that may be less than safe for public consumption could occasionally be produced.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has identified potential health risks associated with cheese produced by Hickory Knoll Farms Creamery, located in Onondaga, Michigan.

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MDARD reports that some cheese products from the creamery may have been made under unsanitary conditions, without proper pasteurization or antibiotic testing. These violations could increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Affected Products and Locations

All impacted products are labeled with the name "Hickory Knoll Farms" and were sold at the following farmers markets across Michigan:

- Hickory Knoll Farms Creamery, 2655 Gould Rd, Onondaga, MI
- Allen Farmers Market in Lansing
- City of East Lansing Farmers Market in East Lansing
- Meridian Township Farmers Market in Okemos
- Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids
- East Lansing Underground Market in East Lansing

The products in question include a variety of goat and cow milk cheeses, such as:

- Goat Milk Cheeses:

• Chevre (Plain, Sundried Tomato Basil Garlic, Rio Grande, Blueberry Almond, or Garlic Basil Pesto with Pine Nuts)
• Feta
• Charbonnel (Tomme)
• Cheddar
• Cabra Borracho (Drunken Goat)
• Quixote (Manchego)
• Rhymney (Caerphilly)

- Cow Milk Cheeses:

• Cheese Curds (Plain, Sundried Tomato Basil Garlic, or Garlic Dill)
• Fresh Mozzarella
• Lounell (Tomme)
• Lounell al Vino (Wine Soaked)
• Harmony (Beer Soaked)
• Marie (Camembert Style)
• White Cheddar Cheese
• White Cheddar Cheese with Sundried Tomato Basil Garlic
• Poitou (Raclette)
• LeaMin (Gruyere)
• Kronberg (Appenzeller)
• Raw Milk Asiago
• Gouda
• Pepper Jack
• Parmesan

What are the Health Risks associated with eating these cheeses?

Although no illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported, consuming food produced under unsanitary conditions can pose significant health risks. Individuals who have purchased these products are advised to discard them immediately.

If you have consumed any of these cheeses and experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, or difficulty breathing, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as these could be signs of foodborne illness or an allergic reaction.

MDARD continues to investigate, and consumers are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the department's official website for updates. Prioritize your health and avoid consuming any potentially unsafe products.