Clarifying the 2024 Recall: The Difference Between Branded and Food Service Products
In March 2024, confusion arose among consumers due to widespread news of a recall involving Sargento cheese. This recall was linked to a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak traced back to a third-party supplier, Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc., and affected products distributed to food service businesses and as ingredients. It is critical to understand that this recall did not impact Sargento-branded products sold in retail grocery stores.
Sargento's swift response, which included terminating its relationship with the implicated supplier and voluntarily recalling all products supplied by or packaged on the same lines as the contaminated cheese, was a key step in managing the situation. The company proactively corrected inaccurate reports to ensure consumers understood that retail products were not at risk. This incident, while concerning, highlights the difference in product streams and the importance of supply chain vigilance.
Sargento's Ongoing Commitment to Food Safety
Beyond reacting to supplier issues, Sargento maintains a robust, proactive approach to food safety. The company is family-owned and places a high priority on the safety and quality of its products. This is demonstrated by several key initiatives:
- Independent Audits: Sargento consistently receives high food-safety ratings, such as AA and A ratings from independent auditor BRC in 2023 across all facilities. This certification is benchmarked to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a testament to their operational excellence.
- Responsible Sourcing: The company has a strict policy of carefully vetting all suppliers to ensure they meet Sargento's high standards for food safety and quality. This vetting process was what allowed them to swiftly identify and terminate the relationship with the problematic supplier in 2024.
- Dedicated Leadership: Sargento reinforced its commitment by appointing a new Vice President of Food Safety & Quality in September 2023, who brings extensive industry experience to oversee the company's strategies and controls.
Reviewing Past Recalls and What They Tell Us
To provide further context, it's worth noting Sargento's past recall history. A significant voluntary recall occurred in February 2017 involving a different supplier, Deutsch Kase Haus, also for potential Listeria contamination. As with the more recent incident, Sargento took immediate action, expanded the recall out of an abundance of caution, and terminated the supplier relationship. The FDA later closed the investigation, and the recall ended.
The consistency of Sargento's response—swift action, transparency with consumers, and severing ties with the source of the issue—is a pattern that builds confidence. These events underscore the importance of companies taking responsibility for their supply chains and being proactive in consumer communication.
Practical Steps for Consumers to Ensure Cheese Safety
While branded Sargento cheese is safe, it is always wise to follow general food safety practices with any dairy product. Here's a list of practical tips for keeping your cheese fresh and safe:
- Check the "Best By" Date: Always inspect the date on the packaging before purchasing. This date guarantees freshness for unopened products.
- Look for Mold: Once opened, cheese can develop mold. If you see mold on a hard cheese like cheddar, you can often cut away at least an inch around and below the moldy spot. However, if mold appears on shredded or soft cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
- Use Within 5 Days of Opening: For optimal freshness and to prevent mold growth, Sargento recommends using their cheese within 5 days of opening the package.
- Store Properly: Keep cheese refrigerated at a consistent, cool temperature. Store it in its original packaging or a resealable bag to minimize air exposure.
A Closer Look at Cheese Product Safety
It's useful to differentiate between the types of products involved in the recall confusion to see why consumer products remained safe.
| Feature | Branded Retail Sargento Cheese | Sargento Food Service/Ingredient Products (2024 recall) |
|---|---|---|
| Sold To | Supermarkets, grocery stores, big-box retailers (e.g., Walmart, Costco) | Distributors, restaurants, catering companies, other food service businesses |
| Recall Status (2024) | Not Affected | Recalled |
| Contamination Source | Not implicated; produced in Sargento's own facilities | Third-party supplier, Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. |
| Current Safety | Safe for consumption with proper handling | Recalled, off the market |
What to Do If You Have Concerns
If you have concerns about any food product, always consult official sources. For Sargento cheese, you can visit their website for the latest statements and check their FAQ page. You can also search the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for recall information. In the rare event a product is recalled, consumers should immediately dispose of it and contact the company with any adverse effects or questions.
Conclusion: Your Sargento Cheese is Safe
To circle back to the original question, is Sargento cheese safe to eat now? Based on the available information from Sargento and regulatory bodies, the answer is yes, specifically for the branded Sargento products sold directly to consumers in retail stores. The recall in early 2024, which generated understandable alarm, did not impact these products but rather affected food service items that were quickly pulled from the market. Sargento's consistent actions in response to supplier issues, coupled with their rigorous internal food safety standards, indicate a reliable commitment to consumer safety. As always, practicing good food hygiene at home, like checking dates and proper storage, remains the best way to ensure a safe and nutritious diet.
For more information on food safety and products, visit the official Sargento website.
