Trader Joe’s cheese curd recall has sparked major concern among shoppers after a potentially deadly bacteria was found in a popular snack.
Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds, sold at Trader Joe’s stores in Northern California and Northern Nevada, have officially been pulled from shelves due to Listeria contamination. The infected batches could pose serious health risks, especially to certain vulnerable groups.
The affected curds are packaged in clear plastic cups and marked with a use-by date of 08/29/2025. Shoppers are being told to look out for UPC 1222 00528 7 and lot codes 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02. If you spot those codes, don’t eat it, return it to Trader Joe’s for a full refund, no questions asked.
Face Rock Creamery confirmed the recall after routine sampling at their Oregon production facility flagged the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness that’s especially dangerous to pregnant women, newborns, seniors over 65, and people with weakened immune systems. For these groups, it’s not just a stomach bug, it can be fatal. Even healthy individuals might suffer from nasty symptoms like high fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
In extreme cases, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe complications like convulsions and confusion. The worst part? Symptoms can show up as late as 10 weeks after exposure, so just because you feel fine now doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.
Although no illnesses have been reported yet, the seriousness of Listeria can’t be overstated. Trader Joe’s has issued a full statement on its website and urges anyone in Monterey, Fresno, Carson City, Reno, Sparks, and nearby cities to check their fridge ASAP. If you’ve got the recalled curds, toss them or return them immediately.
The FDA and Oregon Department of Agriculture are already working with the creamery to investigate the contamination and prevent future issues. If you’ve got any questions or just want peace of mind, you can reach Face Rock Creamery at [email protected] or contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817.
This isn’t the first time Listeria has rocked the shelves, just last month, an urgent recall from Fresh & Ready Foods in four states led to 10 hospitalizations. Trader Joe’s shoppers are known for their loyalty, but food safety comes first, and this incident is a reminder to stay alert and always double-check those labels.
The recall is a wake-up call for anyone who snacks without scanning expiration dates or batch codes. It’s not just about a bad batch, it’s about keeping your family safe from real, potentially life-threatening bacteria.
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