UPDATED Wednesday, January 4, 2012 --- 10:45 a.m.

WESTBY, Wis. (AP) -- Bekkum Family Farms LLC of Westby, Wis., is recalling shredded cheese due to a possible bacterial contamination.

The state agriculture department said Wednesday the cheese is labeled "Grumpy Goat Shreds" under the Nordic Creamery brand name.

The product is sold in 8-ounce bags with a code date of 10-MAR-12. It was sold in stores in California, Minnesota and Wisconsin beginning Nov. 11. Consumers who bought the cheese should throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.

A processor informed Bekkum that its cheese was shredded on the same equipment as other cheese that has since tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Company spokesman Al Bekkum says the Bekkum product hasn't tested positive for Listeria, but the recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution.

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Posted Wednesday, January 4, 2012 --- 9:30 a.m.

Press Statement:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 3, 2012 - Bekkum Family Farms LLC of Westby, WI, is recalling shredded cheese because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The cheese is labeled "Grumpy Goat Shreds" under the Nordic Creamery brand name, in eight-ounce bags with a code date of 10-MAR-12. It was sold in stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and California beginning Nov. 11. The product should be thrown away or returned to place of purchase for a full refund.

"Public safety is our main concern in a situation like this," says Al Bekkum, company spokesman. "Even though our product has not tested positive for the bacteria, we are conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution."

Bekkum Family Farms was informed by Alpine Slicing & Cheese Conversion, Monroe, WI, that its cheese was shredded on the same equipment where other cheese had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Alpine processes and packages cheese for other companies.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The very young, the pregnant, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to infection. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.