Queso Fresco Cheese Investigation

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The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is participating in a joint investigation of a West Valley City man who has been illegally producing and selling queso fresco soft cheese. While the investigation is not completed, the UDAF feels it is important to offer information about the case to this point.

The UDAF issued a Cease and Desist Order October 12, 2011 after visiting his residence and finding various violations of Utah Code regarding cheese manufacturing.
It is believed the resident has obtained raw milk from several different sources during that time he has been making cheese. Salmonella Newport was found in cheeses at the resident's home.
Any food prepared in his home had a risk of becoming contaminated with Salmonella Newport. Thus, we cannot say that any particular milk or other food was contaminated prior to him purchasing it.

Currently UDAF investigators and the Utah Department of Health have found no laboratory confirmation of the source of milk for the resident's operation. In other words, it cannot be demonstrated that contaminated milk is the source of Salmonella in the person's home.

Milk samples from a dairy were tested for the presence of Salmonella Newport. Those test results were negative. We are continuing to question the person about other possible sources of raw milk.
Despite earlier reports, at no time was a dairy located in Midway implicated as a source of raw milk or Salmonella Newport.

The UDAF is investigating claims by the person that he obtained milk from an employee at a Wasatch County dairy. Our investigation suggests neither the owner nor the dairy manager were aware that raw milk may have been sold by an employee.

The UDAF is working in partnership with the Utah Department of Health and the Salt Lake Valley Department of Health.

We are continuing to talk with the person and others about the source of milk for his cheese.

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Posted: November 7, 2011