Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

One week later, Country Corner Dairy officials say the problem’s been dealt with. Last week, the Cullen operation announced a recall of all cheese and skyr products sold between Aug. 2, 2023 and Jan. 24, 2024. The issue, officials said, involved their pasteurizer. 

“The recall occurred due to a routine inspection and testing that determined the pasteurizer was off by a few seconds, thereby causing the cheese to be made with raw milk as opposed to pasteurized milk as the label states,” said Belinda Storm, a representative with Country Corner. 

Since the original label said it had been made with pasteurized milk, Country Corner workers just spent the last week switching labels, making it clear that raw milk was used in those batches. 

“There have been customers who prefer the raw milk cheese,” Storm said. “The cheese that is aged 60 days or more is now sold labeled ‘Raw Milk Cheese Aged 60 Days’.” 

Now for those who want the pasteurized version, Storm said that will be back in stock soon as well, with the machine adjusted. 

“SInce the equipment has been adjusted, they will be making pasteurized milk cheese soon also,” she said. 

For those who didn’t see the original recall, the affected products come in sizes of approximately 8 oz., 2.5 lb., 5 lb., and 40 lb. They were distributed at a number of locations, including Miller’s Country Store in Farmville, Pineview Bulk Food & Deli in Farmville, Spring Hollow Grocery in Buckingham County, Country Corner Dairy in Charlotte County, Cedar Grove Auction in Charlotte County, Hollering Hill Auction in Halifax County, and Central Virginia Produce Auction in Buckingham County.

 

Types of cheese affected

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) has stated that the recalled products include Cuajada Cheese, various flavored skyr such as Blueberry, Grape, Pineapple, Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry and Vanilla, as well as several types of Cheddar and Colby cheeses, Monterey Jack Cheese, Marble Jack Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Garlic and Chives Cheddar Cheese, Garlic and Dill Cheddar Cheese, and Smoked Cheddar Cheese

Now to be clear, no one has become sick in connection with the products mentioned in the recall. If you bought any cheese with a date stamp between those specific dates, you can return it to the place of purchase for an exchange or refund.