Panera Bread Just Recalled All of Its Cream Cheese

Photograph by iStock/RiverNorthPhotography

In the case of Panera bagels, the cream cheese really maketh the breakfast. Sure, their bagels are fine, but their fluffy, smooth spreads are really — wait for it — the icing on the cake. (I’m sorry. I’ll go home now.)

That’s why it’s a travesty that Panera Bread has just announced a recall on all of their cream cheeses — and yep, that includes varieties like the reduced fat honey walnut and wild blueberry and chive and onion. The recall applies to all two- or eight-ounce cream cheese with an expiration date on or before April 2, 2018 from a U.S. Panera bakery cafe.

According to Panera Bread’s statement, one variety of two-ounce cream cheese was found contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, a strain of bacteria that can be particularly dangerous to infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. While the contamination was limited to one day of production, the brand is voluntarily, preemptively recalling all their shmears.

“The safety of our guests and associates is paramount, therefore we are recalling all cream cheese products sold in the U.S. with an active shelf life. We have likewise ceased all manufacturing in the associated cream cheese facility,” said Panera president and CEO Blaine Hurst in the statement. “Only one variety of two-ounce cream cheese from a single day yielded the positive result. Our intent is to go above and beyond for our guests.”

If you’ve currently got some cream cheese in your fridge, Panera recommends tossing them immediately. For a refund, you can contact Panera Bread’s customer service.

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