The Made Fresh Salads cream cheese recall has been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness. Consumers in New York City and surrounding areas are urged to check their refrigerators immediately and avoid consuming any affected products.
What’s Happening
Made Fresh Salads, Inc., based in Bay Shore, NY, has issued a recall for multiple flavors of cream cheese and tofu spread because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness.
Listeria infection (listeriosis) can be particularly dangerous for:
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- Elderly adults
- People with weakened immune systems
Even healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are at risk of miscarriage or stillbirth if infected.
Made Fresh Salads cream cheese Recall
What Products Are Included in the Made Fresh Salads Cream Cheese Recall?
Only products matching all of these details are included in the recall:
Brand: Made Fresh Salads
Package Size: 5 lb. white plastic tubs
Where Distributed: Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and the New York City area (delivered directly to retailers and distributors)
Expiration Dates: Through February 27, 2026 (marked on the bottom left corner of the label)
Flavors Recalled:
- Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese
- Caramel Apple Cream Cheese
- Blueberry Cream Cheese
- Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese
- Jalapeño Cream Cheese
- Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Cheese
- Lox Cream Cheese
- Scallion Cream Cheese
- Strawberry Cream Cheese
- Sundried Tomato Cream Cheese
- Vegetable Cream Cheese
- Walnut Raisin Cream Cheese
- Whipped Cream Cheese
- Tofu Whipped Spread
Why the Recall Happened
The recall was triggered by a routine sampling program that found a part of the mixer used in production was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The company has stopped using the contaminated equipment and removed it from service.
According to the official FDA announcement, the Made Fresh Salads cream cheese recall was initiated after routine testing detected possible contamination. fda.gov
No illnesses have been reported so far.
What You Should Do
If you bought any of the recalled cream cheese products:
✔ Do not eat them.
✔ Do not serve them to anyone.
✔ Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
✔ If you’ve thrown it away, dispose of it securely so no one else can consume it.
If you have symptoms of listeriosis after consuming any recalled product, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms to Watch For (Listeriosis)
Listeriosis symptoms can occur several days to weeks after exposure. The most common include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Pregnant women may experience flu-like symptoms, but infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection in newborns.
How Listeria Contamination Happens in Food Production
Listeria contamination can occur when food production equipment is not properly cleaned or sanitized between batches. In the case of the Made Fresh Salads cream cheese recall, routine sampling identified contamination on a component of the production mixer. When bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes attach to food processing equipment, they can spread quickly across large quantities of product.
Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria can survive and grow in refrigerated temperatures. This makes ready-to-eat foods such as cream cheese, deli spreads, and prepared salads particularly vulnerable. Even small amounts of contamination can pose serious risks, especially to pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Food manufacturers are required to follow strict sanitation and environmental monitoring programs. When contamination is detected, recalls are issued as a precaution to protect public health. The Made Fresh Salads cream cheese recall appears to have been initiated quickly after contamination was discovered, and no illnesses have been reported at this time.
How to Check Your Home for Recalled Products
- Look in your fridge – especially the deli section and cheese bins.
- Check for 5 lb. white tubs with “Made Fresh Salads” label.
- Match the expiration date — must be through February 27, 2026 to be included.
- If uncertain, throw it out or return for a refund — don’t take risks with Listeria.
📞 Contact Information
If you have questions about this recall, you can reach the company at:
📱 Made Fresh Salads, Inc. – Consumer Line: 1-718-765-0082 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm ET)
FAQs – Quick Recall Reference
Q: Is it safe to eat other cream cheese brands?
A: Yes. This recall only includes specific Made Fresh Salads products with the listed flavors, packaging, and expiration dates. Double-check before consuming any similar items.
Q: What causes Listeria contamination?
A: Listeria can be introduced through contaminated equipment, poor sanitation, or cross-contamination during production.
Q: What if I already ate some?
A: Monitor your health for symptoms (which can appear up to 70 days after exposure) and call a healthcare provider if you feel unwell.
For more recent food safety alerts, visit our updated Food Recall Center. https://everydayanswers.online/blog/