RECALL RECORD — CLASS IRecall closedF-0069-2016/FDA enforcement
Karoun Dairies·Food·Sep 16, 2015

Cotija 8 OZ, 13 lb

What you need to know

Class I
  • What happened

    Karoun Dairies is recalling all cheese manufactured from an identified manufacturer due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

  • Health risk

    The product has a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death. A hardy bacteria that can grow at refrigerator temperatures and cause severe illness in vulnerable groups.

  • Action required

    Do not eat the product. Check the lot and UPC codes below, then discard it or return it to the retailer for a refund. If you have already eaten it, monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if they are severe or persistent.

Recall closed · classified by the FDANationwide (US)More food

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Product identification

Source: FDA FOOD

Brand nameKaroun Dairies
Recalling firmKaroun DairiesSan Fernando, CA, United States
UPC / barcodes
7 96252 80037 57 96252 80036 87 96252 80032 0
Lot / date codes
  • Use by dates up to: 2/29/2016
Distribution area
Nationwide

U.S. distribution nationwide. Foreign distribution to the following; Canada and Malaysia

United States, Canada

Quantity affected1.6 million lbs. (total all cheese)
Recall initiationFDA report date: October 28, 2015
FDA recall numberF-0069-2016

Beyond the headline

The recall, in context

Karoun Dairies initiated this food recall on September 16, 2015. The FDA enforcement report states: Karoun Dairies is recalling all cheese manufactured from an identified manufacturer due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The FDA report lists distribution as: U.S. distribution nationwide. Foreign distribution to the following; Canada and Malaysia.

The FDA enforcement report describes the reason as: Karoun Dairies is recalling all cheese manufactured from an identified manufacturer due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Cotija 8 OZ, 13 lb was made or distributed by Karoun Dairies in San Fernando, CA, United States. This page reflects FDA report F-0069-2016, dated October 28, 2015.

Why this is a Class I recall

Class I means the product has a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death. In this recall, a hardy bacteria that can grow at refrigerator temperatures and cause severe illness in vulnerable groups.

FDA definition

The product has a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death.

What to do now

  1. 1

    Stop using it

    Do not eat, drink or take the affected product.

  2. 2

    Check the codes

    Compare the UPC and lot code against the table above.

  3. 3

    Return or discard

    Contact the retailer or recalling firm about a refund, and dispose of the product safely.

Consumer safety guide

Listeria monocytogenes

Symptoms to watch for

Fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea may occur. Severe infection can cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions.

When symptoms may appear

Symptoms can begin within a few days, but can take up to several weeks to appear.

Higher-risk groups

Pregnant people, newborns, adults over 65 and immunocompromised people are at the highest risk of severe illness.

What to do now

  1. 1Stop using or eating the affected product and keep it away from children and pets.
  2. 2Match the product against the UPC and lot/date codes on this page, then dispose of it safely or return it to the retailer.
  3. 3If you have already been exposed and develop severe or worsening symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

General guidance based on CDC and FDA consumer information.

This is general consumer safety information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Follow the official recall notice and contact a healthcare professional if you have concerns about exposure or symptoms.

Frequently asked

Questions about this recall

What is the Cotija 8 OZ, 13 lb recall?

Karoun Dairies recalled Cotija 8 OZ, 13 lb in an FDA Class I enforcement action reported as F-0069-2016. Karoun Dairies is recalling all cheese manufactured from an identified manufacturer due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

What are the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes exposure?

Fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea may occur. Severe infection can cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions.

How quickly can Listeria monocytogenes symptoms appear?

Symptoms can begin within a few days, but can take up to several weeks to appear.

Who is most at risk from Listeria monocytogenes?

Pregnant people, newborns, adults over 65 and immunocompromised people are at the highest risk of severe illness.

What should I do if I bought this product?

Do not eat the product. Check the lot and UPC codes below, then discard it or return it to the retailer for a refund. If you have already eaten it, monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if they are severe or persistent. Stop using or eating the affected product and keep it away from children and pets. Match the product against the UPC and lot/date codes on this page, then dispose of it safely or return it to the retailer. If you have already been exposed and develop severe or worsening symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

How do I get a refund from Karoun Dairies?

Contact the recalling company or the retailer where you purchased the product, quote the FDA recall number and ask about a refund or replacement. Keep the packaging, lot code and proof of purchase where possible. The FDA does not issue consumer refunds. Reference FDA recall F-0069-2016 and keep the packaging, lot code and proof of purchase if you have them.

Is the Karoun Dairies recall still active?

The FDA lists this recall as recall closed. It remains relevant if you still have the affected product or need to identify a historical recall.

Where can I verify this recall?

This page is normalized from the openFDA enforcement record F-0069-2016. You can verify it directly using the official source link on this page. VerifyRecall updates its index from public FDA enforcement data and does not replace advice from the FDA, the recalling firm or a healthcare professional.

Verify before you act.

VerifyRecall is independent and not affiliated with the FDA. Always confirm the latest status on the official source record.

Official source

Brand history

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Record last synced from official openFDA enforcement data on November 14, 2026. Source record: official FDA notice.