# Major Recall Alert: Spanish Cheese (Quesito Colombiano) Recalled Due to Insanitary Conditions and Potential Salmonella Risk
If you're a fan of Spanish cheese, there’s an important recall you need to know about. **Quesito El Establo**, a Salem, New Hampshire-based brand, has issued a voluntary recall of all its **Quesito Colombiano** (Spanish Cheese) products due to **rodent activity, the presence of rodents, and other insanitary conditions** discovered during an FDA inspection of their manufacturing and storage facilities. This recall highlights potentially serious health risks associated with the contamination, such as **Salmonella infection**.
Read on for all the details about this developing situation and what steps you should take to protect your health.
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## Why This Recall Is Important
The presence of rodents and unsanitary manufacturing conditions poses a considerable public health risk. According to **FDA findings**, these conditions may expose the cheese to **Salmonella contamination**, a harmful bacterium that can cause severe illnesses, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Here’s why it matters:
- **Who is at risk?**
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant women
- Elderly individuals
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)
- **Symptoms of Salmonella infection:**
- Fever
- Diarrhea (can be bloody)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- In severe cases, it can cause arteritis, endocarditis, and other life-threatening infections if it enters the bloodstream.
While **no illnesses related to this recall have been reported so far**, it’s vital to act promptly to avoid any potential health risks associated with the affected product.
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## Details of the Recall
Affected products include **all Quesito Colombiano (Spanish Cheese)** manufactured by Quesito El Establo at their New Hampshire facility.
### Key information:
- **Distributed in:** Retail stores in Massachusetts catering to Hispanic/Latino communities.
- **Packaging:**
- Wrapped in plastic and placed in Ziploc-style bags
- Each unit weighs about 1 pound
- **Label:** Blue label featuring a cow graphic with “Quesito Colombiano” written in yellow letters beneath the image. At the top, it says “Spanish Cheese,” and the manufacturer is listed as **Quesito El Establo**.
- **Expiration Date:** Products with a “Best By” date of **August 22, 2025** or earlier are included in the recall.
This recall was initiated following an **FDA inspection** that uncovered unsanitary conditions such as rodent activity. Production has been halted until a thorough investigation is completed.
For the official recall notice and additional details, visit the [FDA website here](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/quesito-el-establo-retira-del-mercado-queso-quesito-colombiano-debido-posible-riesgo-para-la-salud).
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## What You Should Do
If you’ve purchased **Quesito El Establo’s Quesito Colombiano**, follow these steps immediately:
- **Do not consume the product.**
- **Return the cheese** to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Retailers have been instructed to accept returns of the recalled product.
- **Contact Customer Service:** If you have questions, reach out to Quesito El Establo at **617-842-0513** (Monday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST).
**Pro Tip:** If you’ve already consumed the cheese and are experiencing symptoms of Salmonella infection, seek medical attention immediately.
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## Stay Safe – Get Instant Recall Alerts
Recalls like this highlight the importance of staying updated on food safety issues. **Protect your family by subscribing to instant recall alerts!** Download our app to:
- Receive **real-time notifications** on recalls.
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- Get valuable tips on what to do next.
Download the app today and ensure your safety — because staying informed is the first line of defense!
**Stay safe, stay informed!**
*For more details on the Spanish Cheese recall, visit the [FDA’s official page here](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/quesito-el-establo-retira-del-mercado-queso-quesito-colombiano-debido-posible-riesgo-para-la-salud).*