If you’ve recently stocked up on Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds from Trader Joe’s, it’s time to check your fridge. A fresh recall has been issued for this fan-favorite snack due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes—a dangerous bacteria that can be especially harmful to pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The affected product is Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds, a garlic-infused cheddar sold exclusively at Trader Joe’s locations in Northern California (including Monterey, Fresno, and all stores north) and Northern Nevada (Carson City, Reno, and Sparks). The recalled curds are labeled with a “Use By 082925” date.
Trader Joe’s and Face Rock Creamery are urging customers to immediately discard the curds or return them to the store for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported yet, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that routine sampling found listeria in one lot of the product.
Listeria is no joke—it can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In serious cases, it can lead to seizures, loss of balance, or even death, especially among high-risk individuals.
The Oregon-based Face Rock Creamery, which began operations in 2013 and now distributes nationwide, states that it is working closely with regulators to determine the cause of the contamination and prevent future issues. “We’re committed to safety and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” the company said in a statement.
Pro tip: Always check labels and stay informed about food recalls. When in doubt, throw it out.
