State health officials warn against illegal cheese

Careful before slicing into a block of cheese that came wrapped in tin foil. An illegally produced, Mexican-style cheese is thought to be the source of salmonella sickness in 100 people across Illinois, including La Salle County.

The Illinois Department of Public Health Thursday issued a warning about the mystery cheese. It’s unclear where the cheese is being made. The cases of salmonella poisoning span nine years and have left people hospitalized.
Health officials suggest buying cheese that was produced by a licensed dairy farmer. If you know where the cheese is coming from, call your health department.

Signs of salmonella poisoning include fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea.