Press Conference TODAY: Unsafe Cheese

Media Advisory

Health Alert:
Consumers Warned About Unsafe Cheese

WHAT: Consumers in Los Angeles County are being warned to "Check
Your Cheese!" Dairy products, including Mexican-style soft cheese and
sour cream, purchased from unlicensed manufacturers may contain
unpasteurized milk, may have been made in unsanitary conditions, and may
have been transported improperly. These conditions could create breeding
grounds for bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and
Brucella, and could lead to health problems such as miscarriage, illness
to unborn babies, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and other symptoms.

Dairy products commonly sold by unlicensed manufacturers include Queso
Fresco, Panela, Queso Seco, Asadero, Queso Oaxaca, Queso Cotija, and
Crema.

WHEN:
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Time: 2:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
313 N Figueroa St, Suite 804
Los Angeles, CA 90041

WHO:
Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH
Director of Public Health and Health Officer

Marina Alvarez, Health Educator
Spanish spokesperson

CONTACT:
Public Health Communications
(213) 240-8144


# # #



Sarah Kissell
Public Information Officer
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
313 N Figueroa St, Suite 806
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 989-7183 (direct)
(213) 240-8144 (media)
(213) 481-1406 (fax)
skissell@ph.lacounty.gov