Trader Joe’s shoppers in Northern California and Nevada are being warned of potentially deadly Listeria bacteria lurking in popular “Vampire Slayer” cheese curds, adding to the grocery chain’s growing list of recalled products in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds with Use By date 082925 have been recalled from Trader Joe’s stores in Northern California, parts of Central Valley, and Northern Nevada
- The product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause severe illness or death, particularly in vulnerable populations
- Pregnant women face heightened risks as Listeria infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths
- This marks Trader Joe’s sixth product recall in 2025, raising questions about quality control practices
- Customers should discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s store for a full refund
Potentially Deadly Bacteria Found in Popular Cheese Product
Face Rock Creamery, based in Bandon, Oregon, is recalling two specific batches of their Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products are packaged in 6-ounce clear plastic cups with a lid, featuring UPC code 8 51222 00528 7, and specifically lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02. The recall targets products with a Use By date of 082925, which were distributed to Trader Joe’s locations throughout Northern California, parts of the Central Valley including Monterey and Fresno, and northern Nevada.
“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 by Trader Joe’s.
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall as of the latest update, the potential health risks are severe. Listeria can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis, which manifests with symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, the infection can lead to much more serious complications, including death.
Special Warning for Pregnant Women
Health officials are particularly concerned about the risk to pregnant women, as Listeria infection can have devastating consequences for unborn children. The bacteria can cross the placental barrier, potentially resulting in pregnancy loss or severe illness in newborns. This adds an additional layer of urgency to the recall, making it critical for expectant mothers to check their refrigerators immediately for the affected product.
“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.
Listeriosis differs from many other foodborne illnesses in its severity and ability to cause neurological symptoms. Beyond the typical gastrointestinal distress, the infection can lead to confusion, loss of balance, and even seizures when the bacteria invade the nervous system. The incubation period can range from a few days to several weeks, making it difficult for consumers to connect their illness to a specific food source without proper testing.
Growing Concerns About Trader Joe’s Product Safety
This recall adds to a troubling pattern for Trader Joe’s, which has now issued six product recalls in 2025 alone. Previous recalls have involved a range of issues including undeclared allergens, plastic contamination, and defective packaging. The frequency of these safety issues raises legitimate questions about the company’s quality control procedures and supplier vetting processes. For a grocery chain that has built its reputation on curated, high-quality products, these repeated safety concerns represent a significant challenge to consumer trust.
Adding to Trader Joe’s woes, the company was recently placed in the “Toxic Hall of Shame” by the environmental watchdog group Toxic-Free Future for allegedly failing to adequately protect customers from toxic chemicals and plastics in their products. This designation, combined with the recent spate of recalls, suggests deeper systemic issues that may require comprehensive policy changes rather than just addressing individual product problems as they arise.
Customers who have purchased the affected Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds are advised to either discard the product immediately or return it to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund. Those with questions about the recall can contact Trader Joe’s customer relations team directly or visit their website for detailed information. As the situation develops, consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant about checking their refrigerators for potentially contaminated products.
