Urgent Alert: Trader Joe's 'Vampire Slayer' Cheese Curds Recalled Over Severe Listeria Risk—The Full Details You Need Now
A major food safety alert was issued in June 2025 concerning a popular cheese snack sold at Trader Joe's, specifically impacting stores in Northern California and Northern Nevada. The product in question, the highly-rated and distinctively named "Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds," has been voluntarily recalled due to the potential presence of *Listeria monocytogenes*, a dangerous bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. This recall has been designated a Class I—the most serious level—by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), underscoring the critical need for immediate consumer action.
This urgent announcement, made public on Monday, June 23, 2025, requires immediate attention from anyone who recently purchased cheese curds from the affected Trader Joe’s locations. While the manufacturer, Face Rock Creamery, has stated that no illnesses have been reported to date, the risk of listeriosis is severe enough to warrant the immediate disposal or return of the product. The following comprehensive guide details the affected product, the specific health risks, and the exact steps customers must take to protect their health and get a full refund.
The Recalled Product: Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds Details
The recall centers on a single, specific product and batch code, making it relatively easy for consumers to check their refrigerators. This cheese is a favorite among snack enthusiasts and is known for its bold, garlicky flavor, but the potential contamination has forced its immediate removal from shelves.
The product was produced by Face Rock Creamery and distributed exclusively to Trader Joe's stores in the designated regions. The contamination was discovered during a routine, internal testing procedure, which triggered the voluntary recall to prevent any potential harm to consumers.
Specific Product Identification:
- Product Name: Face Rock Creamery's Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds
- Packaging Size: 6-ounce sealed plastic cups with a lid
- Key Identifying Code: "Use By" date of August 29, 2025
- UPC Code: 8 51222 XXXX (Customers should check the "Use By" date as the primary identifier)
- Affected Stores: Trader Joe's locations in Northern California and Northern Nevada only.
It is important to note that only the product with the specific "Use By" date of August 29, 2025, is affected by this Class I recall. Consumers who purchased this product in other states or with different dates are generally not affected, but all customers are always advised to check official recall notices for the most up-to-date information.
Why the FDA Issued a Class I Recall: Understanding the Listeria Risk
The FDA's decision to classify this as a Class I recall signifies the highest level of danger. A Class I recall is issued when there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
The contaminant, *Listeria monocytogenes*, is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, Listeria can grow even at refrigerated temperatures, making cheese and other refrigerated ready-to-eat foods a particular concern.
Symptoms of Listeriosis (Listeria Infection)
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific batch of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds, the potential symptoms of listeriosis can be severe. Symptoms typically begin within two weeks of consuming the contaminated food, but they can appear as early as the same day or as late as 70 days later.
For healthy individuals, symptoms are often mild and may include:
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches and pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or abdominal pain
However, if the infection spreads to the nervous system (invasive listeriosis), symptoms can become much more serious, including:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or loss of balance
- Convulsions
The High-Risk Population
Listeriosis poses a disproportionately high risk to certain vulnerable groups. For these individuals, the infection can be life-threatening:
- Pregnant Women: Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
- Older Adults (Ages 65+): Their immune systems are less equipped to fight off the infection, leading to higher rates of invasive illness.
- People with Weakened Immune Systems: This includes individuals undergoing chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, or diabetes.
If you are in a high-risk group and have consumed the recalled cheese, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if you only have mild, flu-like symptoms.
Immediate Action for Customers: What to Do Now
The most important instruction for consumers who have purchased the Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds with the August 29, 2025 "Use By" date is simple: Do not eat it.
Step-by-Step Guide for Affected Customers:
- Check Your Product: Verify the "Use By" date on your 6-ounce cup of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds. It must be "August 29, 2025."
- Discard or Return: Immediately throw the product away. Alternatively, you can return the product to any Trader Joe's location for a full refund. You do not need a receipt to receive a refund.
- Clean and Sanitize: Because Listeria can easily spread to other surfaces, it is crucial to clean any surfaces that the cheese may have touched. This includes refrigerator drawers, shelves, countertops, and cutting boards. Use hot, soapy water and then sanitize with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water).
- Monitor for Symptoms: Pay close attention to your health and the health of anyone in your household who may have consumed the product. If you develop any symptoms of listeriosis, contact your healthcare provider immediately and inform them that you may have been exposed to Listeria.
Trader Joe's has a strong commitment to food safety and customer well-being. The company has pulled all affected lots from its shelves and is cooperating fully with the FDA and Face Rock Creamery to ensure the recall is effective and that the source of the contamination is fully addressed. This proactive measure is a standard component of their food safety protocols, which aim to catch potential issues before they cause widespread illness.
A Broader Look at Trader Joe’s Food Safety and Recent Alerts
While this cheese recall is the most urgent recent event due to its Class I status, it is part of a series of food safety alerts that have occurred in 2025. This context is important for customers to maintain vigilance regarding all perishable food items.
In the months leading up to this cheese incident, Trader Joe's had already issued several other advisories and recalls, demonstrating a heightened focus on quality control and vendor accountability. These included:
- A recall of the Turkey Gobbler Wrap (September 2025) due to undeclared allergens.
- An advisory concerning Cajun Style Chicken Fettuccine (September 2025).
- A recall of Moonlight Fresh Yellow Peaches (October 2025) due to potential *Listeria monocytogenes* contamination.
These incidents, while varied in cause and severity, highlight the complex nature of the modern food supply chain. They also underscore the importance of the FDA's oversight and a retailer's swift response when issues are detected. The chain's transparency in issuing these alerts, even for a cult-favorite item like the Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds, is a necessary step in protecting public health.
Consumers are encouraged to sign up for official FDA and USDA recall alerts to stay informed about any future food safety issues. Always treat Class I recalls with the utmost seriousness, as the risk is deemed high enough to warrant immediate preventative action.
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