Whole Foods Market Recalls Cabricharme Cheese Over Hidden Egg Allergen: What Shoppers Need to Know

The recall impacts cheese sold in the specialty cheese department at 18 Whole Foods Market locations across Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. The recalled items were cut fresh and wrapped in plastic at store counters, bearing individual Whole Foods Market scale labels. Two product varieties are included in the recall: Fromagerie Coop de Mean Cabricharme Raw Milk aged 60 days (PLU 57953) and Belgian Cabricharme (PLU 54670). Shoppers who purchased this cheese should check their receipts and the best-by dates on packaging, which extend through October 7, 2026.

A Whole Foods store team member discovered the mislabeling issue during routine quality checks. The company has since removed all affected inventory from store shelves, and no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported at this time. This swift discovery and removal demonstrates how frontline employees play a critical role in catching labeling errors before they reach consumers.

How This Affects You as a Shopper

If you shopped at one of the affected Whole Foods locations and purchased Cabricharme cheese, take immediate action. Customers who have the recalled product should destroy it rather than return it to the store. If you have a valid receipt, Whole Foods will provide a full refund at the point of purchase. Anyone unsure whether their cheese is affected can contact Whole Foods customer service at 1-844-936-8255. Phone lines are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, or Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time.

For consumers with egg allergies, this recall underscores the importance of checking labels carefully before consuming any product, even items you’ve purchased before. Food allergies demand constant vigilance, and recent recalls affecting Whole Foods dips and salsas show that allergen risks can affect various product categories across the store. Cross-contamination during preparation or processing can occur in specialty food departments, making accurate labeling essential.

Why Allergen Labeling Matters

Egg lysozyme is a preservative and antimicrobial ingredient commonly used in specialty and imported cheeses to extend shelf life and maintain food safety. While safe for most consumers, this ingredient must be clearly declared on product labels under federal food labeling regulations. People with egg allergies rely on accurate ingredient lists to make safe purchasing decisions. When a label fails to disclose an allergen, it removes a consumer’s ability to protect themselves.

The FDA takes allergen mislabeling seriously because the consequences are severe. Undeclared allergens cause thousands of recalls annually and remain a leading cause of food-related emergency room visits. Whole Foods Market, like all retailers, must ensure that everything sold under their label meets strict compliance standards. This recall demonstrates that even established, well-regarded grocery chains can experience labeling oversights, which is why consumers should remain alert.

Steps to Take Now

If you shopped at any of the 18 affected Whole Foods locations during the recall period, check your home for this cheese. Look at the plastic-wrapped package labels for the product names and PLU numbers listed above. If you find any recalled Cabricharme cheese, do not consume it under any circumstances, especially if anyone in your household has an egg allergy. Destroy the product safely and contact Whole Foods for your refund if you have a receipt.

Keep an eye on your email and postal mail for any recalls from retailers where you shop regularly. Whole Foods typically sends notifications to loyalty program members when recalls occur. You can also visit the FDA website to search for active recalls on any food product. Being proactive about food safety alerts helps protect you and your family from accidental allergen exposure.

This incident is a reminder that shopping at premium grocers does not eliminate risk, and diligence at the checkout and in your kitchen remains essential. By staying informed about recalls and checking labels every time you shop, you can reduce your exposure to mislabeled products and enjoy your purchases with confidence.