7 Shocking Facts About The Trader Joe's Cheese Snack Recall That Every Shopper Must Know

As of December 10, 2025, Trader Joe's customers are urged to check their refrigerators following a high-level recall of a popular cheese snack: Face Rock Creamery's Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds. This voluntary recall, initially announced in June 2025, was triggered by the potential presence of *Listeria monocytogenes*, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. The incident is a stark reminder of the critical importance of food safety protocols, especially concerning refrigerated dairy products. This specific cheese snack recall is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny on food safety within the grocery sector. The high-risk nature of *Listeria* contamination prompted a swift and severe response from both the retailer and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Shoppers who purchased this product, particularly in the affected regions, must take immediate action to ensure their health and safety.

The Full Scoop on the Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds Recall (June 2025)

The recall centers on a distinct and popular product, known for its unique flavor profile, but which was found to harbor a serious health risk. Understanding the precise details of the recall is essential for any customer who may have purchased the item.

Product Identification and Affected Areas

The product in question is Face Rock Creamery's Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds. This garlic cheddar curd snack was sold in specific regions, primarily affecting the West Coast.

• Recalled Product: Face Rock Creamery's Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds (Garlic Cheddar Curds).
• Contamination Risk: Potential presence of *Listeria monocytogenes*.
• Crucial Identifier: The recall specifically targets packages with a "USE BY" code of August 29, 2025.
• Affected States/Regions: The product was distributed to Trader Joe's stores in Northern California and Northern Nevada.

This targeted distribution means that customers outside of these specific areas are generally not affected by this particular cheese curd recall. However, the high severity of the contamination meant the FDA upgraded the recall to the highest level, Class I, indicating a situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Why the Recall Was Issued

The recall was initiated by the manufacturer, Face Rock Creamery, as a result of their routine sampling program. This program revealed that the finished cheese curds contained the *Listeria* bacteria. This proactive testing is a key defense mechanism in modern food safety, preventing widespread illness. The potential for contamination in soft cheeses like curds is a known risk, making stringent testing mandatory.

Listeria Risk: What Consumers Need to Know Immediately

The presence of *Listeria monocytogenes* elevates this from a minor product correction to a serious public health concern. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, *Listeria* can cause a severe infection called listeriosis, which is particularly dangerous for certain groups.

Symptoms of Listeriosis

Listeriosis can be a serious infection. Symptoms can begin a few hours or as long as 70 days after consuming contaminated food.

• Common Symptoms: Fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
• Severe Symptoms: Confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
• High-Risk Groups: Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

If you consumed the recalled Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds and are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if you are in a high-risk group, you must seek medical attention immediately and inform your healthcare provider of the potential exposure.

Action Steps for Customers

Trader Joe's and the FDA have issued clear instructions for anyone who purchased the affected product. 1. Do Not Eat: Check the "USE BY" date (August 29, 2025) and the product name. If you have the recalled product, do not consume it. 2. Dispose or Return: The product should be discarded immediately, or you can return it to any Trader Joe's store for a full refund. 3. Clean Up: Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that the cheese curds may have touched, including refrigerator shelves, cutting boards, and utensils, as *Listeria* can spread easily. 4. Monitor Health: Pay close attention to any symptoms of listeriosis in the days and weeks following potential consumption.

Trader Joe's Broader Food Safety Challenges in 2025

The Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds incident is one of several high-profile food safety alerts that Trader Joe's has faced in 2025, highlighting the ongoing complexities of managing a vast supply chain. The grocery chain has issued at least six recalls in 2025 alone, leading to increased public scrutiny.

The Cotija Cheese Connection

Beyond the cheese curds, other Trader Joe's products were swept up in a wider, nationwide *Listeria* outbreak linked to contaminated cotija cheese. This resulted in the recall of various premade foods that may have used the contaminated ingredient, such as:

• Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettucine Alfredo
• Turkey Gobbler Wrap
• Other prepared pasta meals (frozen and ready-to-eat)

This series of events underscores the interconnectedness of the food supply chain. A single contaminated ingredient, like cotija cheese from a third-party supplier, can trigger a cascade of recalls across multiple product lines and retailers, including Trader Joe's.

Other Notable 2025 Recalls

While the cheese recalls dominate the headlines due to the severity of *Listeria*, Trader Joe's also dealt with other food safety issues in 2025, including: * Undeclared Allergens: A recall was issued for a product where a topping packet may have contained an undeclared milk allergen. Undeclared allergens pose a severe, life-threatening risk to individuals with specific food allergies. * Contaminated Produce: A recall involving Moonlight brand yellow peaches shipped to various stores. These incidents solidify the need for constant vigilance. For consumers, the recurring recalls serve as a crucial reminder to always check the Trader Joe's website for the most current recall archive before consuming any recently purchased product. The commitment to transparency, while sometimes alarming, is the first step in protecting public health.