A popular Trader Joe’s snack has been recalled—here’s what to know
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Whether you're a cheese board enthusiast or just love browsing Trader Joe’s for unique snacks, you may want to take a closer look in your fridge.
The company has issued an urgent recall for a popular cheddar snack due to a potential health risk.
The concern involves possible contamination with a harmful bacteria.
While no illnesses have been reported so far, the issue is being taken seriously.
Here’s what was recalled, why it matters, and what you should do next.
Trader Joe’s, in partnership with Face Rock Creamery, has announced a recall of a specific lot of its Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds.
The problem?
A possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness—particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
The affected cheese curds were sold in Northern California (including areas like Monterey and Fresno, as well as all regions north of them) and Northern Nevada, including Carson City, Reno, and Sparks.
If you recently bought these cheddar curds and see a “Use By 082925” date on the package, you should either throw them out or return them to Trader Joe’s for a full refund, no receipt required.
The recall was initiated after Face Rock Creamery conducted routine testing and found listeria in one lot of their Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds.
As a precaution, they immediately notified the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and the affected product was pulled from shelves.
While only one batch tested positive, the company is taking no chances.
An investigation is underway to determine the source and ensure other products are safe.
Face Rock Creamery, located in Bandon, Oregon, has built a loyal following since its launch in 2013.
Known for high-quality ingredients and small-batch production, the company issued a public apology and emphasized its continued commitment to safety and transparency.
If you think you may have purchased the Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds recently, here’s what to do:
No illnesses have been reported as of now, but it’s better to be cautious—especially if anyone in your household is at higher risk for complications.
For those who love to know where their food comes from, Face Rock Creamery is a small but celebrated cheese producer based on the southern coast of Oregon.
Since 2013, they’ve been crafting award-winning cheddar and cheese curds using local milk and traditional methods.
Their products are sold nationwide through partners like Stop & Shop, Kroger, and Albertsons, but Trader Joe’s is one of their most visible retail outlets.
The Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds—named for their bold garlic flavor—have become a cult favorite among snackers, making the current recall a disappointment to many loyal fans.
You may have seen the word “listeria” on food recall notices before, but what does it really mean?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness that ranges in severity.
In healthy adults, listeria may only cause mild symptoms such as fever, nausea, or diarrhea.
But in more vulnerable groups—including people over 60, pregnant women, newborns, and those with compromised immune systems—it can lead to serious complications like:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, listeria is most commonly found in soft cheeses, deli meats, raw vegetables, smoked seafood, and unpasteurized milk—so recalls involving those items should always be taken seriously.
Food recalls like this might sound alarming, but they’re actually an important part of how our food system stays safe.
The FDA and USDA oversee hundreds of food recalls each year, ranging from fresh produce and dairy to frozen meals and snack foods.
Most recalls are precautionary—meaning they’re issued before anyone gets sick—and are often based on routine testing like the kind that caught this issue. In that sense, the system worked exactly as it should.
So while recalls can be inconvenient, they also show that food manufacturers and regulators are doing their job to protect consumers.
Here are a few simple practices to help reduce your risk of encountering harmful bacteria in your kitchen:
These steps won’t eliminate all risks, but they can significantly lower your chances of foodborne illness.
Food recalls can be unsettling, especially when they involve everyday favorites.
But staying informed and taking quick action—like checking labels or returning products—can go a long way in protecting your health.
Read next: Surprise allergen triggers recall in 11 states—could it be in your pantry?
Maybe you’ve returned a recalled item before, or you’ve come up with your own system for checking labels and expiration dates. We’d love to hear your thoughts—whether it’s a food safety tip or a favorite cheese to enjoy while Vampire Slayer is off the shelves.
At The GrayVine, we believe that staying informed helps keep our kitchens safe and our communities connected. Let’s look out for each other—and our snacks!
The company has issued an urgent recall for a popular cheddar snack due to a potential health risk.
The concern involves possible contamination with a harmful bacteria.
While no illnesses have been reported so far, the issue is being taken seriously.
Here’s what was recalled, why it matters, and what you should do next.
A recent recall has prompted safety concerns for some Trader Joe’s shoppers. Image Source: YouTube / TODAY.
What’s happening?
Trader Joe’s, in partnership with Face Rock Creamery, has announced a recall of a specific lot of its Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds.
The problem?
A possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness—particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
The affected cheese curds were sold in Northern California (including areas like Monterey and Fresno, as well as all regions north of them) and Northern Nevada, including Carson City, Reno, and Sparks.
If you recently bought these cheddar curds and see a “Use By 082925” date on the package, you should either throw them out or return them to Trader Joe’s for a full refund, no receipt required.
Also read: Check your fridge: New sausage recall issued across three states
How did the issue come to light?
The recall was initiated after Face Rock Creamery conducted routine testing and found listeria in one lot of their Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds.
As a precaution, they immediately notified the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and the affected product was pulled from shelves.
While only one batch tested positive, the company is taking no chances.
An investigation is underway to determine the source and ensure other products are safe.
Face Rock Creamery, located in Bandon, Oregon, has built a loyal following since its launch in 2013.
Known for high-quality ingredients and small-batch production, the company issued a public apology and emphasized its continued commitment to safety and transparency.
Also read: Recall notice for a favorite cereal—did you buy the affected batch?
What to do if you bought the recalled product
If you think you may have purchased the Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds recently, here’s what to do:
- Check your packaging. Look for the “Use By 082925” date.
- Don’t take chances. Discard the product immediately or return it to Trader Joe’s for a full refund.
- Still unsure? Contact Trader Joe’s customer service for guidance or visit your local store.
No illnesses have been reported as of now, but it’s better to be cautious—especially if anyone in your household is at higher risk for complications.
Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds, recalled for potential listeria contamination, were sold at Trader Joe’s locations in Northern California and Northern Nevada. Image Source: Trader Joe's.
A bit more about Face Rock Creamery
For those who love to know where their food comes from, Face Rock Creamery is a small but celebrated cheese producer based on the southern coast of Oregon.
Since 2013, they’ve been crafting award-winning cheddar and cheese curds using local milk and traditional methods.
Their products are sold nationwide through partners like Stop & Shop, Kroger, and Albertsons, but Trader Joe’s is one of their most visible retail outlets.
The Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds—named for their bold garlic flavor—have become a cult favorite among snackers, making the current recall a disappointment to many loyal fans.
Also read: Seafood lovers, beware: Over 44,000 pounds pulled in FDA recall over listeria risk
What is listeria—and why does it matter?
You may have seen the word “listeria” on food recall notices before, but what does it really mean?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness that ranges in severity.
In healthy adults, listeria may only cause mild symptoms such as fever, nausea, or diarrhea.
But in more vulnerable groups—including people over 60, pregnant women, newborns, and those with compromised immune systems—it can lead to serious complications like:
- High fever
- Confusion or stiff neck
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- In rare cases, miscarriage or meningitis
According to the Cleveland Clinic, listeria is most commonly found in soft cheeses, deli meats, raw vegetables, smoked seafood, and unpasteurized milk—so recalls involving those items should always be taken seriously.
Also read: Heads-up, shoppers! Urgent recall issued for popular pastries
How common are food recalls?
Food recalls like this might sound alarming, but they’re actually an important part of how our food system stays safe.
The FDA and USDA oversee hundreds of food recalls each year, ranging from fresh produce and dairy to frozen meals and snack foods.
Most recalls are precautionary—meaning they’re issued before anyone gets sick—and are often based on routine testing like the kind that caught this issue. In that sense, the system worked exactly as it should.
So while recalls can be inconvenient, they also show that food manufacturers and regulators are doing their job to protect consumers.
Also read: Mushroom recall sparks concern—check your fridge before it’s too late
Tips for avoiding foodborne illness like listeria
Here are a few simple practices to help reduce your risk of encountering harmful bacteria in your kitchen:
- Check for recalls regularly. You can sign up for alerts from the FDA or your grocery store’s mailing list.
- Keep your fridge cold. Store food at or below 40°F and clean shelves frequently.
- Avoid high-risk foods like unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, and smoked seafood if you’re pregnant or over 60.
- Wash fruits and veggies thoroughly, even if they’re labeled “pre-washed.”
- Pay attention to expiration dates—especially on refrigerated items.
These steps won’t eliminate all risks, but they can significantly lower your chances of foodborne illness.
Food recalls can be unsettling, especially when they involve everyday favorites.
But staying informed and taking quick action—like checking labels or returning products—can go a long way in protecting your health.
Read next: Surprise allergen triggers recall in 11 states—could it be in your pantry?
Maybe you’ve returned a recalled item before, or you’ve come up with your own system for checking labels and expiration dates. We’d love to hear your thoughts—whether it’s a food safety tip or a favorite cheese to enjoy while Vampire Slayer is off the shelves.
At The GrayVine, we believe that staying informed helps keep our kitchens safe and our communities connected. Let’s look out for each other—and our snacks!
