Trader Joe’s ALERT: Infected Dairy Hits Shelves

Trader Joe’s must now recall their “Vampire Slayer” garlic cheese curds after potential listeria contamination threatens to create real-life victims in California and Nevada.

Key Takeaways

• Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds with use-by date 08292025 have been recalled from Northern California and Northern Nevada Trader Joe’s stores due to potential Listeria contamination
• The affected products are packaged in clear plastic cups with UPC 8 51222 00528 7 and lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02
• Listeria can cause severe illness or death, particularly in vulnerable populations including pregnant women, young children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals
• This recall adds to Trader Joe’s growing list of product safety concerns, with six recalls already initiated in 2025
• Customers are instructed to either discard the affected cheese curds or return them to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund

Dangerous Bacteria Detected in Popular Cheese Product

Trader Joe’s has announced a significant recall affecting their Face Rock Creamery Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall specifically targets 6-ounce cups bearing the use-by date of 08292025, sold throughout Northern California, parts of the Central Valley and Central Coast, and Northern Nevada locations. The affected products can be identified by their clear sealed plastic cup packaging with UPC 8 51222 00528 7 and lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with these cheese curds yet, the potential for serious health consequences prompted immediate action.

“Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women,” stated by FDA.

Health Risks and Vulnerable Populations

Listeria monocytogenes presents a serious health threat, particularly for certain demographic groups. The infection can lead to listeriosis, characterized by fever, headaches, stiffness, confusion, and even seizures in severe cases. While healthy adults may experience milder symptoms that resolve without medical intervention, the bacteria poses a significant danger to pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. In pregnant women specifically, listeria infection can result in devastating consequences including miscarriages and stillbirths, making this recall especially concerning for expectant mothers who may have consumed the affected product.

“Trader Joe’s has recalled a food item throughout Northern and Central California and northern Nevada due to potential listeria contamination, the company announced,” stated byTrader Joe’s.

Growing Pattern of Product Safety Issues

This latest recall adds to a concerning pattern of product safety issues at Trader Joe’s, which has already initiated six recalls in 2025 alone. Recent problems have included undeclared allergens, plastic contamination, and defective packaging across various product lines. The frequency of these incidents raises questions about quality control measures at the popular grocery chain. Adding to these concerns, Trader Joe’s was recently placed in the “Toxic Hall of Shame” by the organization Toxic-Free Future, which criticized the company for failing to adequately protect customers from harmful chemicals and plastics in their products and packaging.

Consumer Response and Compensation

Trader Joe’s is instructing customers who purchased the affected Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds to take immediate action. Consumers should either discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund, regardless of receipt. The company has established a dedicated customer relations team to address questions and concerns related to this recall. While the recall currently affects only specific regions, the nationwide popularity of this product and the serious nature of listeria contamination warrants widespread consumer awareness. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance and the need for stringent quality control in our food supply system.