SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman on Tuesday warned people not to eat cashew cheese products manufactured by The Cultured Kitchen because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Fifteen cases of illnesses have been reported in the Western United States, with twelve of the cases occurring in California.

Three patients have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

The Cultured Kitchen of West Sacramento, California has initiated a voluntary recall of all flavors of its cashew cheese products with expiration dates on or before April 19, 2014, due to the risk of contamination with Salmonella.

The products were sold in natural food stores throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada, and at farmers markets in Sacramento County.

The cashew cheese products were sold in eight-ounce plastic containers in the following flavors: Herb, smoked cheddar, pepper jack, habanero cilantro lime, basil pesto and white cheddar.  

While the cashew cheese products are no longer being sold at retail facilities, CDPH is concerned that consumers may still have some of these products in their homes.

Consumers in possession of these recalled products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody.

Most infected people recover within a week; however, some may develop complications and require hospitalization. Infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for severe illness.

Consumers experiencing any ill effects after eating these products should consult their health care provider.

Consumers who observe the product being sold should call CDPH’s toll-free complaint line at 800-495-3232.