YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Monday that cheese processor Del Bueno of Grandview, Wash. has agreed not to sell its products until they are proven safe for consumption.
The FDA said that Del Bueno had agreed to terms of a consent decree on April 3. Under the agreement, Del Bueno cannot process or distribute food until it has developed a program to eliminate Listeria from its production facility and products.
Listeria is a foodborne pathogen that can cause serious illness and death.
The statement noted that inspectors have documented numerous deficiencies in Del Bueno's processing facility since 2009. The company's Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese was linked to a case of listeriosis in 2010, and the FDA issued a warning letter to Del Bueno last year.