Wegmans Issues Recall for Popular Cheeses Over Listeria Risk
Wegmans recalls Camembert and Brie cheeses sold in 10 states and D.C. for potential Listeria contamination, urging swift customer action.
Wegmans Pulls Cheeses From Shelves Amid Listeria Contamination Risk
Wegmans Food Markets, one of the largest grocery retailers in the Northeast, has initiated a voluntary recall of several popular cheese products. This urgent recall, announced in August 2025, was prompted by the risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, which can cause serious illness in vulnerable groups. Although no illnesses have been reported thus far, the company and public health officials are urging customers to take swift action if they have purchased the affected items.
What Triggered the Wegmans Cheese Recall?
The recall was set in motion after Estancia Holdings, the direct cheese supplier to Wegmans, received notification from its French supplier that certain shipments may have been contaminated with Listeria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed in an official alert that four cheese products sold across 10 states and Washington, D.C. are included in this recall. Customers who may have purchased these products are advised to check their refrigerators immediately.
- Notice issued: August 2025
- Distributor: Estancia Holdings of Cumming, Georgia
- Affected regions: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
- No illnesses or injuries reported as of announcement
Which Cheeses Are Involved in the Recall?
The FDA and Wegmans have detailed the specific cheese products included in the recall. Look for the following items in your fridge and check for the correct size and UPC/barcode information.
| Product Name | Size | UPC/Barcode | Best By Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegmans Medium Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese | 8.8 oz | 77890-53515 | 07/26/25, 08/12/25, 08/19/25 |
| Wegmans Assorted Cheese Flight | 1 lb | 2-77100-00000-0 | Range within July 1–Aug. 12, 2025 |
| Wegmans Grilling Camembert with Tapenade & Roasted Tomatoes | 10 oz | 2-77297-00000-0 | Range within July 1–Aug. 12, 2025 |
| Wegmans Caramel Apple Pecan Topped Brie Cheese | 13 oz | 2-77645-00000-3 | Range within July 1–Aug. 12, 2025 |
Consumers who bought these products between July 1 and August 12, 2025 should not consume them under any circumstance.
Understanding the Dangers of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial pathogen found in soil, water, and some foods. While many healthy adults may experience only mild or even no symptoms after eating Listeria-contaminated products, the infection, called listeriosis, can be extremely dangerous for certain populations, causing severe illness or even death.
- Most at risk: Pregnant people, newborns, adults aged 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems
- Possible complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or serious infection in a newborn
- Statistics: The CDC estimates that Listeria causes about 1,600 infections and 260 deaths each year in the U.S.
Common symptoms of listeriosis include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
For pregnant individuals, even a mild infection can lead to devastating outcomes, underscoring the seriousness of food recalls involving Listeria.
What Customers Should Do Next
If you have purchased any of the recalled cheeses, Wegmans and health authorities urge the following steps:
- Do not consume the recalled products.
- Return the cheeses to your nearest Wegmans service desk for a full refund.
- If you have already eaten any of these products and feel unwell, contact your primary healthcare provider immediately.
- For more information or assistance, call Wegmans Customer Service at 1-855-934-3663 (daily, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST).
If you participated in Wegmans’ Shoppers Club loyalty program and bought the affected cheeses, the company may have already reached out to you directly via registered contact information. Regardless, customers are urged to independently check the product details against their recent purchases.
How to Clean After Potential Listeria Exposure
Listeria bacteria have the potential to survive and grow even in cold environments like refrigerators. As an extra precaution, the CDC and FDA advise customers to thoroughly clean any surface or utensil that came into contact with the recalled cheeses. Here’s how:
- Wipe down shelves, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water.
- Sanitize surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid bleach per gallon of water).
- Wash reusable containers and utensils in a dishwasher or by hand using hot water.
Why Are Cheese Products Prone to Listeria Outbreaks?
Soft cheeses such as Camembert and Brie are more susceptible to Listeria growth due to their moisture content and longer shelf life, especially if made with unpasteurized milk. However, all cheese products can pose a risk, particularly when best storage practices aren’t followed from production to sale.
- Listeria can multiply at refrigerator temperatures.
- Contamination may occur during production, packaging, or transit.
- Imported cheeses have been frequently implicated in past outbreaks.
Food producers and retailers must adhere to strict guidelines to minimize the risk of contamination, but sporadic lapses can allow bacteria to spread undetected until recalled.
FAQs About the Wegmans Cheese Recall
Q: Which states are affected by the Wegmans cheese recall?
A: The recall covers Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Q: How do I know if my cheese is recalled?
A: Check the product name, size, UPC/barcode, and best-by dates against the affected items listed above. Only products purchased between July 1 and August 12, 2025, are part of the recall.
Q: What should I do if I’ve eaten the recalled cheese?
A: Monitor yourself for symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, or diarrhea for up to 70 days after possible exposure. If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or experience symptoms, consult a medical professional promptly.
Q: What if I bought cheese but already discarded the packaging?
A: If you suspect you purchased an affected product but can’t confirm due to lack of packaging, err on the side of caution and contact Wegmans customer service or your store’s service desk for advice and support.
Q: How can I prevent Listeria infection in the future?
A: Practice good food safety habits: wash hands and surfaces often, keep foods refrigerated, follow storage guidelines, and promptly discard expired or recalled products.
Wegmans’ Response and Commitment to Food Safety
Wegmans has stated that customer health and safety is their highest priority. Upon learning of possible contamination, the company swiftly removed all affected cheese products from store shelves and began proactively contacting customers. They have also provided clear instructions for refunds and support via their service desk and customer hotline.
- Refunds available for all returned recalled products
- Direct communication to Shoppers Club members who purchased affected items
- Ongoing cooperation with health agencies to ensure public safety
What Happens Next: Food Recalls and Public Health
Product recalls, especially those involving potential bacterial contamination, are a routine safeguard in the U.S. food system. Regulatory agencies like the FDA and CDC constantly monitor the food supply and encourage the prompt, transparent recall of any suspect goods. Customers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest recalls by:
- Checking the Recalls section on grocers’ websites (such as Wegmans’ recall archive)
- Subscribing to the FDA’s food recall alerts
- Watching local news for urgent updates
Food recalls save lives, and public cooperation ensures their effectiveness by helping remove potentially dangerous products from circulation as quickly as possible. For more details, customers can consult the FDA, CDC, or state health departments.
How to Stay Safe: Best Practices for Cheese Lovers
- Always store cheese below 40°F (4°C) and observe best by dates
- Avoid consuming soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, especially if you are in a high-risk group
- Clean refrigerator surfaces regularly to prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination
- Stay informed about product recalls from trusted retailers and authorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there alternatives to the recalled cheeses?
A: Yes, many safe alternatives are available. Choose hard cheeses or soft cheeses from reputable brands with no recall history. Always check for food safety certifications.
Q: Can I freeze cheese to destroy Listeria?
A: Freezing does not kill Listeria; it may only inactivate the bacteria temporarily. Discard recalled products rather than attempt to salvage them via freezing or cooking.
Q: Where can I get more information about current recalls?
A: Visit the FDA’s Recalls page, contact your local health department, or check your grocery store’s official website for the latest developments.
Conclusion: Putting Food Safety First
As this recall highlights, food safety vigilance is essential for retailers and consumers alike. While no illnesses have been connected to the recalled Wegmans cheeses at publication time, the risk posed by Listeria means all customers should check their kitchens and act quickly to protect themselves and those at highest risk. Stay informed, adhere to best food handling practices, and never hesitate to seek support from your retailer or health provider to ensure the safety of your household food supply.
