Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
A food recall isn’t just news—it can be a warning that saves lives. That was the case with the FDA recall on Vulto Creamery soft raw milk cheese, a product tied to a deadly listeria outbreak across several states. If you or someone you care about may have consumed this cheese, especially before the recall was announced, it’s essential to understand what happened, how it can affect your health, and what legal rights you may have.
This article breaks down the key facts about the recall, explains the dangers of listeria, and discusses what steps Oklahoma residents can take if they believe they’ve been affected.
In March 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium found in contaminated food. The source was traced to Vulto Creamery, a New York–based producer of small-batch, soft, raw milk cheeses.
Several varieties of Vulto’s cheese were recalled, including:
These cheeses were distributed across the United States, but most were sold in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. However, because they were available through specialty retailers and online shops, consumers nationwide—including in Oklahoma—could have purchased them.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. – FDA.
Listeria is not just a simple stomach bug. It’s a severe bacterial infection that can lead to hospitalization or death, especially in certain groups of people.
People most at risk include:
Symptoms usually start a few days to several weeks after eating contaminated food. Common signs include:
Symptoms of listeriosis may not appear until days or even weeks after consuming contaminated food. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Because symptoms can take time to appear and mimic other illnesses, many people don’t realize their food may be the cause.
If you got sick after eating contaminated food, you may have a product liability claim. In Oklahoma, these cases usually fall under strict liability, which means you don’t have to prove the company was careless—just that the product was unsafe and caused harm.
There are three main types of product liability claims:
For food poisoning, defective manufacturing is the most common cause. Oklahoma law gives you two years from the date of injury (or discovery) to file a personal injury lawsuit involving a faulty product like contaminated cheese.
Oklahoma’s product liability law follows a modified comparative negligence standard, but strict liability often applies in cases involving contaminated or defective food products.
To build a strong case, it helps to gather evidence. This might include:
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Working with a lawyer who understands product liability law in Oklahoma can help protect your rights and hold companies accountable.
Eight cases of listeria infection, including two deaths, have been linked to Vulto Creamery soft raw milk cheeses distributed nationwide. – CDC, 2017 Outbreak Report.
The FDA instructed stores and consumers to immediately throw out or return any recalled cheeses from Vulto Creamery. Even if you don’t feel sick, it’s best not to take the risk.
If you still have any product or packaging, keep it in case it can be used as evidence in a legal claim. You should also monitor your health for any unusual symptoms.
The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Date | Event |
| Sept 1, 2016 | First known case of listeria illness reported |
| March 7, 2017 | Vulto Creamery initiates voluntary recall |
| March 9, 2017 | FDA and CDC confirm outbreak linked to Vulto products |
| March 17, 2017 | Public warning issued across media outlets |
| 2024 | Reminder updates posted as consumers still report issues |
Product liability claims are complex. You’ll need to show that the food you ate was contaminated and that it directly caused your illness. That’s hard to do without help, especially if you’re recovering from a serious health issue.
A local attorney can:
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has handled a wide range of product liability and food poisoning cases. With deep knowledge of Oklahoma law, the firm assists customers in obtaining reimbursement for missed wages, medical expenses, and other damages.
Watch for symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or nausea. If you feel unwell, see a doctor right away and tell them you may have eaten recalled cheese. Save any packaging you still have.
Yes. If your illness is linked to the cheese, you may have a product liability claim. A lawyer can help you gather proof and understand your options.
Not always. Receipts help, but other evidence, like medical records, photos, leftover cheese, or packaging, may support your claim.
You usually have two years from the date of illness or discovery. It’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Sometimes. In Oklahoma, retailers may also be responsible in product liability cases depending on the circumstances
You may be able to recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your illness.
The Vulto Creamery soft raw milk cheese recall is a solemn reminder of how quickly contaminated food can lead to harm. Listeria is a life-threatening illness, and victims deserve answers and accountability. If you or someone in your family became ill after eating recalled cheese, you may have a right to seek compensation under Oklahoma’s product liability laws.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers understands the impact of foodborne illness. With experience in product liability cases and a focus on compassionate support, their team helps Tulsa residents navigate claims and move forward with confidence.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
