Panera Recalls Cream Cheese Products For Listeria Concern

Cream cheese products from Panera Bread's bakery cafés have been recalled nationwide due to concern about listeria contamination. The chain released a statement claiming the recall was issued "out of an abundance of caution" and that no illnesses have been reported. The recall is preemptive, voluntary, and affects all 2-ounce and 8-ounce cream cheese products sold in the chain's U.S. bakery cafes.

Panera issued the recall after discovering listeria contamination in 2-ounce cream cheese from a single production day.

"Tests on cream cheese samples manufactured both before and after the production run in question have all come back negative," Panera reports.

All products with an expiration date on or before 4/2/18 should be discarded immediately. Consumers in possession of the affected cream cheese products should contact Panera Bread Customer Service at 1-855-6-PANERA or visit Panera.custhelp.com for a full refund.

"The safety of our guests and associates is paramount, therefore we are recalling all cream cheese products sold in the US with an active shelf life. We have likewise ceased all manufacturing in the associated cream cheese facility," said Blaine Hurst, Panera's President and CEO. "Our intent is to go above and beyond for our guests. You should expect nothing less from Panera."

Panera Bread is known for its advocacy efforts for consumer health and has made a number of changes to its menus to ensure health for its customers. Click here to learn about these changes and 9 other things you didn't know about Panera Bread.