Former raw milk cheese manufacturer Johannes Vulto and Vulto Creamery have pleaded guilty to causing an outbreak of listeria between 2016 to 2017 that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and hospitalization of six others. This tragedy occurred after their cheeses made from unpasteurized milk were found to be contaminated with listeria, a deadly bacteria.
Johannes Vulto, who had built a reputation for his artisanal cheeses and compelling story, faces up to one year in prison, a fine of $250,000, and one year of supervised release. As part of the plea agreement, he was ordered to pay $100,000. The outbreak linked to his company led to the recall of their products after the Food and Drug Administration discovered eight cases of hospitalization and two deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Mr. Vulto’s facility had tested positive for listeria during routine swabbing. The contaminated cheese caused symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, proving especially dangerous for high-risk individuals. While criminal charges for food adulteration are rare, the case highlights the importance of food safety regulations in preventing illness and death.
US Attorney Carla B. Freedman stated that the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Vulto and his company held them accountable for the preventable tragedy. The Food and Drug Administration emphasized the importance of ensuring food safety to protect consumers. The guilty pleas serve as a reminder that food producers must adhere to strict safety standards to prevent outbreaks like this one.
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